Strategic Assistant

Who we are

Have you worked out the logistics of your career yet? You will at Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 7.5 billion. 40,000 employees work at 1,320 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Join our team and thrive in a dynamic company culture rooted in the values of Entrepreneurship, where innovative thinking is celebrated, Integrity, where honesty and transparency drive our actions, Empowerment, where each team member is encouraged to take ownership and initiative, and Leadership, where we cultivate a collaborative environment that inspires growth and excellence. At our company, these core values aren't just words on paper – they guide our everyday decisions, foster a supportive community, and drive both individual and collective success.

What you’ll be doing

The Strategic Assistant to the VP of Global Ocean Freight is directly responsible for a variety of different projects, tasks, and initiatives of different natures throughout the organization that help to plan and execute strategies that allow Rhenus to spearhead the transformation of the freight forwarding industry. This role is in charge of coordinating with the different teams in the organization to ensure that projects and initiatives are pushed forward in a timely manner.

You will be contributing to that vision by:

Manage Strategic Products and Projects

• Conduct in-depth market and industry research to identify trends and opportunities for the organization within the freight forwarding and ocean freight industries.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decision-making and define the priority and resource allocation of new projects or products.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the organization's strategic plan to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
• Manage multiple, simultaneous firm engagements by sequencing initiatives, creating project plans, and collaborating across teams to execute on deadlines.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement strategies that support the organization's overall vision and direction.
• Support on establishing reliable monitoring systems that allow measuring the success and effectiveness of the Rhenus’ key projects and initiatives.

Manage & Influence Stakeholders

• Communicate the organization’s strategic plans and initiatives to key stakeholders, including employees, and commercial and product teams on a global scale. This might include regular updates on progress or changes in the overall strategy.
• Manage stakeholder expectations by setting clear goals and expectations for the organization and its key stakeholders to ensure a clear and measurable impact on Rhenus’ goals and objectives.
• Regularly interact with key stakeholders to understand main concerns, priorities and issues within the organization, whether inside or outside of the ocean freight product.
• Follow up on contacts made by the VP of Global Ocean Freight and support the improvement of ongoing relationships with key stakeholders.

Lead Internal Structural Improvements

• Analyse and evaluate areas of improvement within the organization at a global, regional, and local scale that can lead to efficiency or effectiveness gains, both within and outside of the product structure.
• Support establishing regular audits on countries at a global scale to have a deeper insight into the performance of countries in terms of ocean products.
• Help transition the organization into a system and process-led company from a people-driven organization that allows for faster and more reliable scaling of the organization.

Miscellaneous

• Attend many of the VP of Global Ocean Freight’s highest priority meetings internally and externally and take accountability for follow-ups.
• Monitor tasks delegated by the VP of Global Ocean Freight to ensure that completed work is achieved by the agreed deadline.

What skills & experience you’ll bring to us:

• Industry Savvy: At least 2 years of experience in ocean freight forwarding, with hands-on knowledge in operations or procurement. Ocean Freight industry knowledge is a plus.
• Leadership Experience: At least 2 years of experience managing people—recruiting, coaching, developing, and handling performance management.
• Customer-Centric: You can anticipate needs, solve pain points, and exceed expectations effortlessly.
• Ownership-Driven: You take initiative, see things through, and own your outcomes.
• Data-driven: You rely on facts, figures, and insights to make decisions and back them up with solid analysis.
• Change-Maker: Skilled at navigating change and adapting strategies based on what’s needed at the moment.
• Self-Starter: You don’t wait to be told what to do; you take responsibility and run with it.
• People Person: Outgoing, confident, and an effective communicator who thrives in diverse, multicultural environments.
• Strong Communicator: You articulate ideas clearly in English, both written and spoken.
• Analytical & Persuasive: Exceptional at analyzing data and negotiating for the best outcomes.
• Cool Under Pressure: You keep your composure, stay focused, and deliver results in high-pressure situations.
• Strategic Thinker: A big-picture problem-solver who’s not afraid to innovate.
• Results-Oriented: Relentless in overcoming challenges and hitting your targets.
• Multitasker Extraordinaire: Juggling priorities in a fast-paced, high-energy environment is where you shine.

Get in touch today

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume outlining your relevant experience. Apply now to join a team dedicated to innovation and personal growth. Your next career move starts here at Rhenus