Commercial Manager Project Forwarding UAE

Job Description

Job Title: Commercial Manager Project Forwarding

Location: JAFZA Offices Dubai UAE

Reporting To: Managing Director

Salary: AED per month commission

Predicted Start Date: April 2025

Company Overview:

Branches in Europe and the Emirates offering tailormade storage and logistics solutions adapted to the needs of each customer.

French headquartered company with extensive operations in France, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.

They specialize in two key areas:

1. Fine Art & High Value Item Logistics: Handling transportation and storage of artworks targeting galleries, museums, and private collectors.
2. Heavy Lift & Project Logistics: Specialized transportation of oversized (OOG), breakbulk (BB), and heavy lift cargo with a strong presence in medical, construction, and aerospace sectors in France.

Since opening its Dubai branch in 2019, the company has focused solely on fine art logistics. Now, with full backing from the HQ, they are expanding into project forwarding, heavy lift transport, and specialized cargo handling across the UAE and GCC. The company has invested in new equipment including a 30-tonne heavy lifting vehicle/crane to support this endeavor.

To drive this new service, our client is looking for a Commercial Manager Project Forwarding to establish the new service offering, build supplier relationships, and drive sales in a competitive, well-established UAE market.

Role Overview:

This role is a unique opportunity to build a new business line from the ground up.

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for developing the heavy lift and project logistics division, securing clients, setting up supplier networks, negotiating competitive rates, and positioning the company as a key player in the UAE project logistics sector.

The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, well-connected, and commercially driven with a strong background in heavy lift, OOG, and project logistics in Dubai.

This is a high-impact, sales-focused role where success will be measured by business acquisition, revenue growth, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Development & Sales: Identify, develop, and secure new business in OOG, BB, and heavy lift cargo logistics.
2. Market Expansion: Position the company as a major player in UAE project logistics.
3. Client Acquisition & Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with EPC contractors, oil & gas firms, construction companies, and industrial project stakeholders.
4. Supplier & Vendor Management: Set up reliable networks for transport, cranes, and specialized equipment ensuring competitive rates.
5. Operational Oversight: Work closely with teams to ensure seamless project logistics services.
6. Strategy & Sales: Promote the new service through networking, industry events such as Breakbulk Middle East, and targeted sales campaigns.
7. Revenue & Profitability Goals: Drive revenue to achieve performance-based commission targets.

Candidate Profile:

1. Experience: 3-5 years in commercial roles within an SME project forwarding company in Dubai with exposure to heavy lift/OOG operations.
2. Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of project logistics, heavy lifting operations, oversized cargo transport, and multimodal logistics.
3. Local Network: Well-established connections with clients, suppliers, and service providers in Dubai's project logistics industry.
4. Entrepreneurial Drive: Ability to set up new services, negotiate rates, and sell in a competitive market.
5. Sales & Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to develop business, close deals, and manage key relationships.
6. Languages: Fluency in English is required; French would be an advantage but not mandatory.

What We Offer:

A pivotal role in launching and growing a new service division within an established European brand.

Salary: AED per month, visa, healthcare, annual flights, and performance-based commission.

Long-term career growth opportunities with potential to lead and develop a team as the division expands.

Full support from Middle East branch and HQ and investment in new heavy lifting equipment.

Required Experience:

Manager