Job Description
Senior Key Account Manager – Logistics / Freight Forwarding – Japanese Bilingual
This company is seeking an experienced Senior Key Account Manager to manage and grow strategic customer accounts in the U.S. logistics and freight forwarding market.
This is a senior-level, customer-facing position responsible for maintaining strong relationships with key accounts, identifying new business opportunities, developing logistics solutions, and coordinating closely with internal teams and overseas offices.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in freight forwarding or logistics sales, with a strong understanding of international transportation and supply chain solutions. Experience managing major accounts and/or leading a sales organization is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage relationships with assigned key accounts and serve as the primary commercial contact.
- Develop a deep understanding of customers’ businesses, supply chain needs, and future projects.
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with key decision-makers and other customer stakeholders.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing accounts and targeted prospects.
- Develop logistics solutions in collaboration with Forwarding, Warehousing, Customs, and other internal teams.
- Prepare quotations and proposals and lead commercial negotiations.
- Conduct regular customer visits and provide ongoing account support.
- Monitor account performance, customer satisfaction, sales activity, and profitability.
- Identify service issues and coordinate with internal teams to develop and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate sales activity, opportunity, and pipeline information.
- Coordinate closely with Yamato Group offices in Japan and other countries to support multinational customers.
- Support the development and execution of account strategies and business plans.
- Travel as needed to visit customers and support business activities.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain, or related B2B sales.
- Strong knowledge of international freight forwarding, warehousing, and logistics solutions.
- Proven track record of managing major customer accounts and developing new business.
- Strong commercial negotiation, communication, and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to understand customer needs and develop practical logistics solutions.
- Strong business judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively with customers, internal departments, and overseas offices.
- Business-level Japanese and English required.
- Ability to communicate effectively with Japanese customers, overseas offices, and internal stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working for a freight forwarder, logistics provider, or 3PL company.
- Experience managing Japanese-affiliated companies or other multinational accounts.
- Sales management or team leadership experience.
- Experience working with Japan headquarters or other international offices.
- Established relationships within the logistics/freight forwarding industry.
Compensation
Approximately $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
A competitive compensation package may be considered for candidates with extensive freight forwarding sales, key account management, or management experience.
Location
Midwest U.S. – Chicago area preferred; Texas also considered. Remote work available; regular office attendance is not required.
