Head of Trade

CMA CGM Group, founded by Jacques R. Saadé, is a leading worldwide shipping & logistics group.

Now headed by Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM reinvents transport and logistics to offer an integrated maritime, port, and land service that exceeds customers' expectations.

Present in over 160 countries through 755 offices, and 750 warehouses, equipped with a young and diverse fleet of 511 vessels, CMA CGM serves 420 of the world's 521 commercial ports and operates on more than 200 shipping lines. The group currently employs 110,000 people worldwide, including nearly 2,400 in Marseille, in its headquarters at Marseilles.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute trade strategies aligned with global and regional objectives, ensuring profitable growth and market competitiveness.
• Own trade performance management by monitoring vessel utilization, space allocation, and optimizing container equipment flows, including empty repositioning and cost efficiency.
• Lead trade forecasting and analytics, preparing accurate cut lists, volume projections, and KPIs (fill rate, idle empty ratio, revenue per TEU) to support decision-making.
• Drive pricing and revenue optimization through data-driven insights, market analysis, and collaboration with commercial teams.
• Ensure seamless trade execution by coordinating with terminals, agencies, sales, operations, and global trade teams to maintain schedule integrity and service reliability.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions, focusing on efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Champion digital tools and process automation to enhance trade planning, reporting, and performance tracking.
• Lead and mentor the trade team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance; provide coaching and career development opportunities.
• Represent trade function in strategic forums, contributing to network design, capacity planning, and global trade lane development.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry regulations while promoting sustainability and innovation in trade operations.
• Conduct the annual budgeting activity, in coordination with the Chief Commercial Officer, the Agency Managing Director, the Regional Management Team and the Head Office Trade Management Team.

Skills and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (preferably Logistics, Maritime Studies, International Trade, or Business Administration).
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in the shipping, logistics, or maritime industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing trade or commercial functions.
• Proven track record in strategic trade management, including pricing, allocation, equipment planning, and scheduling.
• Strong experience in business development and revenue growth, with ability to identify new trade opportunities and build sustainable pipelines.
• Inspirational leader capable of motivating, coaching, and developing high-performing commercial teams.
• Experience in budget management, trade profitability analysis, and long-term trade lane development
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to engage effectively with customers, global trade teams, and senior leadership.
• Highly energetic, proactive, and results-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
• Fluency in written & verbal English is a must (part of the interview will be conducted in English).

What we offer:

• Working in an agile, flexible, digital, and social culture
• Flexible working hours
• Working 40 hours a week
• Hybrid working
• Birthday day off
• Fruit Day: every Wednesday
• Happy hours
• Yearly bonus
• Transportation
• Life insurance
• Meal Allowance (Cash/monthly)
• Employee Assistance Program

During the recruitment process, the personal data you provide in your CV is processed for purposes including contacting you, implementing human resources policies and procedures, managing candidate selection and placement processes, conducting reference checks, and ensuring security. For more detailed information about how your data is processed, please refer to our Employee Candidate Privacy Notice.

We have zero tolerance for inequality and are deeply committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at every level of our organization. As HR and business partners, we actively drive and support initiatives that build a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure!