Operations Director – France

Time-Critical Air & Multimodal Logistics

Position Overview

We are seeking a pragmatic and commercially driven Operations Director to lead and scale our French operations within a global time‑critical logistics network. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, regulatory governance, team leadership, and contribution to country‑level growth.

The successful candidate will combine deep operational and customs expertise with the ability to lead teams, manage performance, and drive structured expansion. This role requires strong decision‑making capability, hands‑on leadership, and the ability to align operational excellence with commercial objectives.

Director-Level Scope & Responsibilities

• Provide full operational leadership for the France entity, ensuring performance, compliance, and service excellence
• Lead, structure, and develop operational and administrative teams
• Establish clear KPIs aligned with revenue growth, service performance, and regulatory compliance
• Oversee operational budgeting, cost control, and resource allocation
• Build scalable infrastructure to support long‑term growth
• Report performance metrics and strategic updates to senior leadership
• Ensure strong cross‑functional collaboration with commercial, finance, and global operations teams

Operational & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Build and operationalise the French entity from setup to full functionality
• Identify and secure suitable operational premises aligned with customs and security requirements
• Manage air and road freight operations in time‑critical environments
• Implement structured, efficient, and compliant operational processes
• Lead full setup and ongoing governance of French customs authorisations and approvals
• Oversee the French Customs online declaration platform and customs credit accounts (duties & VAT exposure)
• Maintain AEO Full certification standards
• Act as Security Manager ensuring compliance with Regulated Agent requirements
• Maintain IATA DGR compliance and operational best practices
• Oversee CASS Associate status with IATA to enable MAWB issuance and operational autonomy

Commercial & Strategic Contribution

• Support country‑level revenue growth through operational credibility and client engagement
• Participate in strategic client discussions and tender processes
• Identify expansion opportunities and local partnerships to strengthen service coverage
• Align operational cost structure with pricing strategy and margin objectives
• Contribute to long‑term country growth planning and market positioning

Experience & Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in air freight and multimodal transport
• Strong operational mastery of air and road freight
• Advanced knowledge of French and EU customs regulations
• Proven experience implementing AEO Full certification
• IATA DGR certified
• Experience leading teams within regulated and time‑critical logistics environments
• Established national network within customs and aviation sectors
• Commercially aware with ability to translate operational strength into business performance
• Practical, hands‑on leadership style with a strong can‑do mentality

First Year Objectives

• Fully operational and scalable French entity
• Strong operational KPIs and reporting framework in place
• Stable and compliant customs and security governance structure
• Improved operational efficiency and cost discipline
• Active contribution to measurable revenue growth

This role is suited for a senior logistics leader who combines deep regulatory expertise, operational discipline, and commercial awareness, and who thrives on building structured, compliant, and performance‑driven operations.