Head of Operations #0912

Position Overview

A prominent European multimodal logistics provider is looking for a driven and seasoned Head of Operations to take charge of their Budapest location.

Serving as a key gateway for Central and Eastern European freight movements, the Budapest branch presents an exciting chance to reinvigorate and expand an established operation with considerable untapped potential. In this leadership capacity, you will manage comprehensive transport services spanning road freight and intermodal shipping. Your primary focus will be elevating operational performance, strengthening client relationships, and—most critically—accelerating volume expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Build and guide a high-performing operations team, including supervisors and internal forwarding staff. Drive employee growth through coaching, mentorship, and regular performance evaluations. Establish clear career pathways and succession strategies while cultivating an engaged, results-driven workplace.

Operational Management & Service Delivery

Direct the end-to-end execution of customer transportation requests with precision and timeliness. Enhance route planning and asset utilization to drive efficiency gains and improve profit margins. Ensure all activities meet established service level agreements and exceed client expectations.

Business Development & Strategic Growth

Track industry developments and extract actionable insights to inform commercial strategy. Design scalable logistics frameworks and capacity models that support organizational expansion. Partner with the sales team by contributing qualified prospects and strategic recommendations.

Relationship Management & Communication

Nurture strong partnerships with clients, carrier networks, and colleagues across departments. Address service disruptions, schedule changes, or operational issues through timely, transparent updates. Document all carrier agreements and arrangements in written form.

Financial Oversight & Reporting

Track key metrics including shipment volumes, revenue streams, and profitability indicators. Deliver comprehensive weekly and monthly reports covering operational and financial performance. Leverage Transport Management Systems effectively to protect and enhance profit margins.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Background

• Minimum decade of experience within road freight forwarding or third-party logistics environments
• At least five years directing teams in supervisory or management capacities
• Demonstrated success leading operations and developing high-performing teams
• Comprehensive understanding of European transportation networks and freight forwarding dynamics
• Established connections with carriers and key industry contacts
• Full professional fluency in both Hungarian and English
• Pragmatic, hands-on working style with a focus on finding solutions
• Optimistic, growth-oriented attitude combined with innovative thinking abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in intermodal transport modes such as rail or short-sea shipping
• Prior experience in commercial sales or client account management
• Proficiency in an additional language, particularly German or Russian
• Formal training or certification in project management
• Track record of success in rapidly scaling business environments

The Ideal Candidate Profile

We're searching for a professional who brings:

• Deep industry expertise paired with an extensive network of freight forwarding contacts
• A practical, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to daily challenges
• Drive and enthusiasm to build something meaningful while pursuing growth opportunities
• Leadership that balances compassion with confident decision-making
• Adaptability, imagination, and willingness to embrace new ideas

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits:

• HUF 16-24 million, DOE
• Company car and mobile phone
• Paid annual leave

Work Environment:

• Hybrid working model
• 10-15% travel

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under EU law and the laws of the respective EU member states.

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Compensation Information

For client positions, compensation information will be provided in accordance with applicable EU and national laws. When required by law, salary information will be included in job postings or provided during the recruitment process. We are committed to pay transparency and equal pay for equal work, in line with EU Directive 2006/54/EC and national laws on pay equity.

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Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with EU laws, directives, and regulations, as well as national laws of EU member states governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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We comply with EU Directive 2003/88/EC concerning certain aspects of the organization of working time, as well as national laws of EU member states regarding working hours, rest periods, and leave entitlements.

Health and Safety

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment in accordance with EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on Safety and Health at Work and relevant national laws of EU member states.

Works Councils and Employee Representation

We respect the rights of employees to form and join works councils and other forms of employee representation in accordance with EU Directive 2009/38/EC and national laws of EU member states.

Country-Specific Declarations

While this policy provides a general framework applicable across the EU, it's important to note that specific employment laws can vary significantly between EU member states. To ensure full compliance with local regulations, we make the following provisions:

1. Local Law Compliance: In addition to EU-wide regulations, we comply with all national laws and regulations of the specific EU member state where the employment takes place.
2. Country-Specific Addenda: For each EU country where we operate, we maintain country-specific addenda to this policy. These addenda outline any additional requirements, protections, or procedures mandated by national law that go beyond or differ from EU-wide standards.
3. Language Requirements: In countries where local law requires that employment policies be provided in the local language, we will make available a properly translated version of this policy and its country-specific addendum.
4. Notification of Applicable Laws: During the recruitment process, candidates will be informed of the specific national laws that apply to their potential employment, in addition to EU-wide regulations.
5. Regular Updates: We commit to regularly reviewing and updating our country-specific addenda to reflect any changes in national employment laws.
6. Precedence of National Law: Where national law provides greater protection or additional rights to employees beyond what is outlined in this general EU policy, the national law will take precedence.
7. Specific Declarations: Where required by national law, we will make specific declarations regarding matters such as:
• Pay transparency and gender pay gap reporting
• Working time arrangements
• Collective bargaining agreements
• Data protection and privacy measures
• Whistleblower protection mechanisms
• Any quota systems for underrepresented groups in employment
8. Access to Information: Employees and candidates can request information about the country-specific policies applicable to their employment or potential employment by contacting [email protected].

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Local Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate within the EU.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location within the EU.