The Company
Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company, we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.
We are looking for a commercially ambitious, entrepreneurial and strategically minded Head of Industry Vertical (Aerospace & Automotive) – Cluster West to lead growth across the UK & Ireland. The role will be based in Northampton, working remotely up to 2 days per week.
This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on building opportunities, challenging the status quo and turning market insight into commercial success. You will bring the mindset of a start-up leader within an established global organisation - driving innovation, unlocking new opportunities and inspiring teams to achieve exceptional results.
As Head of IV Aerospace & Automotive – Cluster West, you will own the strategic direction and commercial growth agenda for the Aerospace & Automotive Industry Vertical. You will lead Business Development Managers and Key Account Managers to win new business, expand strategic partnerships and strengthen our position as a market leader within the sector.
Working closely with Business Units, Solutions Design, Operations and international stakeholders, you will translate customer challenges into innovative, value-added supply chain solutions that deliver sustainable growth, operational excellence and long-term partnerships.
As the primary commercial lead for the Industry Vertical within Cluster West, you will ensure alignment with regional and global strategies while creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and commercial success thrive.
What we offer:
- Base salary £90,000-100,000
- Car allowance of £8,000 per annum
- Bonus (up to 10%)
- Permanent Health insurance cover (40% of salary cover)
- Pension scheme – 6% matched employer contribution
- Comprehensive private family health cover
- 25 days' holiday (excluding bank holidays)
- 5 days Volunteer Leave per year
- Opportunity for Unpaid Leave
- Up to 10 days international remote working*
- Critical Illness Cover
- Health cash plan
- On Site Mental health First Aiders
- MyStrength Wellbeing App
- Free online Fitness Platform i.e. Pilates & Yoga, Mindfulness/Meditation, 24/7 support, advice, diet and Nutrition
- Employee benefits i.e. Free eye test*, up to 25% off gym membership, high street vouchers
- Free access to 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, Life Events Counselling, Care Concierge Service, Health Cash Plan, Karo Health.
- Tailored development and career opportunities
Key responsibilities:
1. Commercial Strategy & Industry Leadership
a. Develop and execute the Aerospace & Automotive commercial strategy for Cluster West, aligned with regional and global objectives. Identify emerging market opportunities, challenge conventional thinking and drive initiatives that accelerate growth, enhance customer value and strengthen market presence.
2. Business Development & Customer Growth
a. Lead the pursuit of new business opportunities while expanding existing strategic accounts.
b. Empower and coach Business Development Managers and Key Account Managers to think creatively, act decisively and deliver outstanding results throughout the sales lifecycle.
c. Champion a growth mindset and robust opportunity management practices.
3. Customer & Stakeholder Management
a. Build trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across customer organisations, internal Business Units, European colleagues and global industry teams.
b. Act as a strategic advisor, creating strong partnerships and ensuring customer expectations are not only met but exceeded.
4. Commercial Governance & Performance
a. Drive sales pipeline management, forecasting, pricing strategy and commercial reporting.
b. Use data, insight and commercial acumen to make informed decisions, optimise performance and ensure profitable growth.
c. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
5. Leadership & Team Development
a. Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing commercial team.
b. Create an environment where people are empowered to innovate, take ownership and challenge existing ways of working.
c. Build strong leadership capability, encourage collaboration and promote commercial excellence across the organisation.
Key requirements:
- Degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- Significant experience within international logistics, freight forwarding and supply chain solutions.
- Proven success leading Business Development and Key Account Management teams.
- Demonstrated experience developing and delivering ambitious commercial growth strategies.
- Experience managing complex customer relationships within the Aerospace & Automotive sector or comparable industry verticals.
- Strong understanding of multimodal logistics solutions, including Contract Logistics, Air Freight, Ocean Freight and Transport.
- Experience working within a matrix and multinational environment is advantageous.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into action.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for identifying and creating new opportunities.
- Strong commercial acumen, including pricing strategy, profitability analysis and business case development.
- Outstanding leadership skills with a track record of building, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
- Proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
- New business acquisition and strategic account growth expertise.
- Excellent negotiation, presentation and communication skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to lead through ambiguity, challenge existing approaches and drive meaningful change.
- Cross-functional leadership and collaboration skills with a customer-first approach.
- Driving licence and ability to travel in the UK and Ireland
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.
In Yusen Logistics, we understand the value of utilising AI and other technologies to support the application process but we encourage the candidates to use them to enhance their application and not replace their own effort and authenticity. Therefore, candidates should not rely on AI-generated responses during the interview process.
Yusen Logistics is an equal opportunities employer that encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible applicants, regardless of their personal circumstances. We make our recruiting decisions solely based on skillset and experience. Diversity allows us to create an inclusive environment where our employees can strive and grow their potential. Yusen Logistics are proud to be a ‘Disability Confident Committed’ employer.
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