Luxaviation One, part of the Luxaviation Group and a global leader in business aviation, is expanding its services with the creation of a Cargo Division. We are looking for a Cargo Director to lead and structure this new strategic activity.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director - USA, this position is aimed at an experienced professional with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of handling complex assignments and interacting with a demanding international clientele. In close collaboration with executive management, the Cargo Director will design, launch, and develop the division, aiming to make it a key growth pillar for the Group.
Required skills and qualities:
- Strategic leadership and management
Visionary and unifying, able to structure a new business, recruit and lead a high-performing team, and mobilize it around ambitious objectives in an international and competitive environment.
- Commercial excellence and business development
Proven experience in identifying opportunities, building differentiating offers, and acquiring new clients. Able to develop a solid and sustainable portfolio using your network and results-oriented approach.
- Negotiation and key account management
Skilled in high-stakes negotiations with major accounts, freight forwarders, cargo operators, airlines, and logistics partners. Able to build long-term trust-based relationships and position a premium offer.
- Performance management and results-driven mindset
Business-oriented, sets ambitious objectives, monitors KPIs closely, and implements necessary actions to ensure profitability and growth.
- Emotional intelligence and listening skills
Able to unite teams and establish trust with stakeholders. Comfortable in multicultural environments and managing complex human relations.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and proactivity
Autonomous, solution-oriented, and motivated to create and grow a high-potential activity with an innovative and differentiating approach.
- Adaptability and operational commitment
Agile, responsive, and available to make decisions on the ground as needed, in a fast-paced cargo environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Budget planning and monitoring
- Define the annual Cargo Division budget in coordination with the Managing Director - USA, CEO and Group Finance.
- Forecast revenues, margins, and expenses (operations, sales, HR, marketing).
- Monitor profitability, analyze deviations, and adjust actions accordingly.
- Identify cost optimization and revenue-maximizing levers while maintaining high service levels.
- Ensure proper allocation of financial resources according to strategic priorities.
- Client portfolio management and retention
- Maintain close relationships with strategic clients and their logistics teams.
- Attend key operational events (cargo departures/arrivals) when relevant.
- Identify client-specific needs and propose tailored solutions, including full-chain logistics.
- Implement client satisfaction and retention strategies aligned with the Group’s service standards.
- Cargo operations management
- Assess feasibility of transport requests considering technical, customs, and operational requirements.
- Build customized commercial offers leveraging Group capabilities and a network of qualified operators.
- Coordinate with operator operations departments to ensure timely and compliant execution.
- Conduct commercial negotiations with clients and contractual negotiations with suppliers (cargo airlines, handling agents, forwarders, etc.).
- Oversee all operational steps: quotations, contracts, tracking, team briefing, post-delivery follow-up.
- Ensure service quality, punctuality, and compliance, especially for high-value or sensitive clients.
- Business development and growth
- Identify and target high-potential market segments (specific goods, strategic industries, international logistics corridors).
- Lead proactive prospecting strategies (direct clients, forwarders, e-commerce, pharma, etc.).
- Manage and monitor the sales pipeline with clear revenue and market share growth targets.
- Enhance Luxaviation Cargo’s international visibility and develop long-term client relationships based on recommendation, quality, and responsiveness.
- Promote complementary Group services (concierge, VIP charter, group charter, special aviation) when relevant.
- Team management and structuring
- Recruit and lead the US Cargo team.
- Implement internal processes for smooth division operations: commercial flows, operations, sales administration, reporting.
- Define and implement ongoing training (products, processes, CRM tools, freight regulations) and ensure skill development.
- Foster a culture of operational excellence, autonomy, and engagement.
- Performance monitoring and strategic reporting
- Collaborate closely with the Managing Director - USA to track KPIs and identify improvement opportunities.
- Identify strengths and areas for improvement in client relations, timelines, profitability, and operational responsiveness.
- Implement reporting tools for sales, margins, client satisfaction, and business development.
- International representation
- Attend professional trade shows and industry events (aviation, logistics, supply chain) in the US and abroad.
- Represent the Cargo Division with institutions, clients, partners, and specialized media, upholding the Group’s image and standards.
- Actively contribute to Luxaviation One’s visibility by positioning the division as an innovative, responsive, and premium player in air cargo.
