Vice President - India & Middle East

Join a rapidly growing, 45-year-old, US-based freight forwarder, that has been thriving in a start-up environment in India for the past two years.  We are seeking an innovative leader, known for their commitment to building a strong, high-performing culture.  As we continue to expand, we are seeking a VP to lead our region in India and expansion across the Middle East.   Currently the region has 30 teammates across 4 locations in India and Middle East.  This is an opportunity for a leader who thrives on building teams, driving operational excellence and looks forward to spearheading strategic initiatives to scale the region.   The ideal candidate will have global experience, a proven track record in leading high-performing teams and the ability to inspire others to achieve ambitious goals.  

Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact. We’re problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction. Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT.  Find out what our people deliver.® means when you come move the world with us! 

The Vice President is responsible for the development and execution of the India & Middle East operational excellence plan. This role oversees and drives the alignment of the company's management action plan within India to ensure we are positioned to handle growth in the most efficient and optimized manner. This includes implementing station operating models that drive standardization & performance across the region to ensure efficiency, scalability, quality and meet company financial goals. This includes implementing systems/processes for continuously improving AIT operating model that drive standardization & performance to ensure efficiency, scalability, quality and meet company financial goals (profitability & cash flow).

1. Design the India & Middle East executive strategy, roadmap, scope, and timeline over short- and long-term goals, initiatives and objectives that align with the organizational global strategy. Clearly communicate strategy, culture and core values, and goals to teammates and oversee implementation.
2. Oversee the India & Middle East organizational design to maximize customer retention and profitability allowing the team to deliver a consistently excellent experience to all customers.
3. Oversee the execution of strategic plans to optimize performance for aggressive increase in market share, and to maintain a competitive edge.
4. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, customers, and partners to enhance business relationships and opportunities.
5. Develop and design best-in-class operations processes and procedures based on expert understanding and relevant industry experience to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Foster a process-driven culture of continuous improvement partnered with a problem-solving mindset at all levels of the organization.
6. Interface with customers and service providers to ensure that cost, quality, and delivery commitments are meeting or exceeding performance standards in the most cost-effective manner and in alignment with divisional and company business objectives.
7. Serve as a member of the global senior leadership team. Oversee and advise the local leadership team.
8. Work with the Executive Management team on developing the annual operating budgets; assists with budget monitoring, analysis, and reporting. Approves expenditures for budgets; performs financial forecasts, analyses, and reports.
9. Develop and mentor direct reports and teammates to reach their next career goals and to increase understanding of customer expectations and operating environments. Continue to build and develop a highly engaged, high-performing, growth-oriented organization. Communicate and implement business vision and strategies to the team by linking business strategy to specific functional responsibilities.
10. Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations concerning areas of responsibility.
11. Represent the organization and develop working relationships within the community, industry professional organizations, entities, and service providers to promote our mission.
12. Interact respectfully with all levels in the organization so that all teammates feel valued. Is a significant contributor to a healthy, positive, and productive work environment.
13. Other duties and responsibilities as required.

What We Look for in Teammates:

• A team player who works well with others – being respectful to our teammates is a Core Value!
• A strong work ethic with an appreciation for ownership, independence, accountability and autonomy in your role.
• Growth mindset – being passionate about your craft, always looking for ways to improve yourself and the company, being open to change and doing things differently.
• Customer service focus – we serve a wide variety of customers, both internal and external, and building relationships is a part of our culture!

Leadership Core Competencies:

• Leadership and building teams
• Strategic vision
• Accountability for performance and results
• Recruiting and networking
• Influence others

Other Skills We Hope to See:

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, operations or another related field required or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 15 years in freight forwarding experience, with large scale operational background.
• 10+ years of P&L experience required.
• 10+ years people management experience required.
• Proven track record in generating profitable revenue growth and retaining existing customers.
• Proven experience of winning and executing freight management opportunities in a general freight management environment and driving improvement in key financial metrics such as revenue growth and gross margin growth.
• Skilled at business planning and diligent at measuring and communicating progress towards the plan, identifying roadblocks, while being solution oriented.
• Passion for leading a team with a proven track record of identifying and developing talent.
• Ability to travel 30% of the time to visit stations, customers and join leadership meetings.

AIT India is a growing business that is investing in its people. We offer hybrid and flexible work environment, skill development and learning pathways to help our people perform at their best and be the best version of themselves every single day.

In addition to offering competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive plans (dependent on position), a range of benefits and local rewards packages are offered to our teammates.

Some of the Benefits include -

• Relaxed dress code
• 5 hours of volunteering opportunities
• Access to Online-learning Platform
• Health Care & Term insurance benefits 
• Annual and Parental Leaves

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps its customers grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure raw materials, components, and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the America’s-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, food, government, healthcare, high-tech, industrial and life sciences. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground, and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 100 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe, India, and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.  Learn more about AIT Worldwide Logistics, our culture and core values in action here.