A.P. Moller – Maersk, the global leader in integrated container logistics, is proud to offer a career-defining opportunity for an experienced, digitally-savvy sales professional to lead the Direct Transport Sales function in the Eastern Africa Area. This role, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will be central to our mission of simplifying and connecting our customers’ supply chains across the region.
Maersk’s operations span across 130 countries with approximately 70,000 employees committed to excellence in logistics and services. We leverage digital innovation, deep supply chain expertise, and unmatched infrastructure to empower global trade and deliver end-to-end solutions to businesses of all sizes.
This newly available position is designed for a high-caliber sales leader ready to advance Maersk’s Transported by Maersk (TbM) product offering across Ocean, Less Container Load (LCL), Air, Rail, and other transport assets. The successful candidate will bring a strategic approach to engaging customers digitally, driving asset utilization, and transforming the Direct Transport Sales landscape across Eastern Africa.
Position: Head of Direct Transport Sales
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Area Sales Director, Volume Conversion (Ocean and Logistics & Services)
Application Deadline: [As per listing]
Role Overview
The Head of Direct Transport Sales will be accountable for overseeing and driving ocean volume conversion and direct sales for the freight forwarder, trader, and SME BCO (Beneficial Cargo Owner) customer segments. A key objective of this role is to enhance the company’s asset utilization strategy by combining a strong digital-first sales approach with competent, insightful customer engagement. The position calls for a visionary leader who can translate business strategy into actionable sales execution and revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Commercial Leadership and Ocean Volume Growth
- Take full ownership of sales initiatives for freight forwarders, traders, and SME BCOs focused on ocean and logistics services.
- Collaborate closely with the Ocean Market team and Product teams to align sales efforts with Maersk’s strategic priorities.
- Drive growth in Ocean and Logistics & Services revenue, ensuring the team meets or exceeds performance targets in line with the defined budget.
- Spearhead the development of game plans that bridge strategic direction with concrete outcomes, guided by data and market intelligence.
2. Product Development and Digital Engagement
- Actively contribute to the evolution of Maersk’s Spot business and SME BCO offerings through participation in regional and global innovation pilots.
- Lead Spot Programmatic campaigns to increase brand awareness, adoption, and customer retention within the Spot segment.
- Explore bundled Short Cycle Products in collaboration with Logistics & Services Product teams to better serve customer needs.
- Partner with the L&S Product team to develop and refine the Transported by Maersk (TbM) product through regional and global experimentation.
3. Sales Footprint Expansion and Pipeline Management
- Expand and manage the Direct Transport Sales footprint across 11 countries in the Eastern Africa Area.
- Align local sales strategies with regional direction, ensuring seamless execution across multiple markets.
- Translate business goals into actionable game plans aimed at enhancing Maersk’s Share of Wallet in customer supply chains.
- Drive lead generation, conversion, and pipeline health with a focus on sustainable, scalable revenue growth.
- Ensure cross-selling and up-selling opportunities are identified and maximized based on a deep understanding of client business models and challenges.
4. Team Development and Performance Coaching
- Lead and develop a high-performing sales team capable of delivering integrated solutions that span across multiple products and customer segments.
- Coach team members for both performance and career growth, emphasizing consultative selling, value articulation, and problem-solving.
- Instill a culture of continuous improvement, ownership, and collaboration across all levels of the sales team.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
- Serve as a strategic partner to key customer stakeholders, building trust through transparent communication and solution-driven engagement.
- Facilitate close collaboration between sales, marketing, product, and ocean teams to ensure consistency and alignment in service delivery.
- Position Maersk as a value-adding logistics partner across all customer touchpoints through an unwavering focus on solution integration and client satisfaction.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- A solid track record in direct transport sales, particularly within the freight forwarding, trader, and SME BCO customer segments.
- Proven ability to manage cross-product sales in Ocean, Inland, Air, and other logistics domains.
- Experience designing tailored solutions that address end-to-end supply chain pain points, resulting in tangible value for clients.
- A strong understanding of digital customer journeys, with a passion for building and promoting online platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate long-term client relationships through thoughtful engagement and service excellence.
Technical and Personal Attributes
- High proficiency in consultative and solution-based selling.
- Strong ability to articulate the value of integrated logistics solutions across diverse customer profiles.
- An analytical mindset with the capacity to interpret data and translate insights into action.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills suited for both internal collaboration and external client engagement.
- A self-motivated, independent leader who thrives in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and inspire teams toward continuous professional growth.
Why Join Maersk?
As a global logistics powerhouse, Maersk offers more than just a job. We provide a career platform where innovation, customer focus, and leadership converge to shape the future of supply chains worldwide. Joining our team means you will:
- Contribute to reshaping how global trade operates through digital-first customer experiences.
- Play a critical leadership role in one of the world’s most dynamic logistics regions.
- Be supported by an inclusive, diverse, and purpose-driven work culture.
- Engage in high-impact projects with the backing of Maersk’s unparalleled global network and digital capabilities.
- Enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to individual aspirations and performance.
About Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is dedicated to simplifying and connecting the world’s supply chains. As the global leader in container logistics and integrated transport services, we empower businesses to grow and trade efficiently by offering a seamless suite of services through innovative digital platforms and strategic infrastructure investments. With operations in more than 130 countries and a workforce of around 70,000, we are committed to delivering exceptional service, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Our commitment to inclusivity and diversity is embedded in everything we do. We believe in embracing different perspectives and creating a workplace that values each individual for their unique contributions. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from all walks of life.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Maersk is committed to supporting applicants and employees throughout their journey with us. If you require any assistance or adjustments during the recruitment or employment process, we encourage you to reach out to our accommodation support team at: [email protected]
Your needs will be met with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity to be at the helm of Maersk’s direct transport sales strategy in Eastern Africa. As we continue to transform logistics through digital innovation and customer-centric solutions, we seek a seasoned sales professional who can rise to the occasion and drive commercial success across a diverse and fast-growing region.
If you have the vision, the experience, and the leadership skills to make a significant impact, we invite you to explore this role and take the next step in your professional journey with Maersk.
Apply Now
Visit [https://www.maersk.com] to learn more about this opportunity and submit your application. We look forward to welcoming passionate and dynamic professionals into our team.
