Job Information
Kuehne+Nagel Global Air Logistics Operational Key Account Manager in Chicago, Illinois
Are you thinking about advancing your career with one of the most successful logistics organizations worldwide? Here at Kuehne+Nagel, our corporate operational key account management team is looking for a new Operational Key Account Manager.
Your Role
The Operational Key Account Manager is responsible for managing key customer relationships and ensuring seamless operational delivery in the freight forwarding and logistics industry. This role involves overseeing customer-specific solutions, driving compliance with international trade regulations, and supporting new business implementation. The ideal candidate will leverage leadership, analytical skills, and deep industry knowledge to enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance across multi-national teams.
Your Responsibilities
Clarify, negotiate, and formalize operational requirements with customers, ensuring alignment with Kuehne + Nagel’s capabilities.
Design and implement customer-specific solutions to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, while identifying cost-saving opportunities using KN and customer resources.
Facilitate new business by acting as a subject matter expert on KN service offerings and operational capabilities, supporting corrective actions when needed.
Serve as the primary point of contact for implementation of new business, joint projects, or other customer requests not related to immediate day-to-day operations.
Execute customer-defined analytical functions supporting export, import activities, and regulatory compliance, while acting as the customer’s voice within KN’s operational teams.
Manage issues related to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including SOP definitions, maintenance, distribution, regular reviews, and operational escalations.
Support the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process by providing data insights, setting up customer information in KN systems, and facilitating the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) when needed.
Monitor internal compliance with billing, status updates, and other operational matters to ensure visibility and resolve any accounts receivable (A/R) issues.
Negotiate and formalize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with customers, and work with Global and Regional Key
Account Managers (GKAM/RKAM) to drive performance reporting and operational improvements.
Identify and drive continuous improvement (CI) opportunities, analyzing root causes of non-performance, and presenting materials on KPI performance and projects during customer Business Reviews at local, regional, and global levels.
Your Skills and Experiences
Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding or transportation, with in-depth knowledge of import/export operations, security protocols, and international trade regulations.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage internal resources through influence, trust-building, and effective communication.
Experience in customer relationship management, including onboarding new business and driving compliance with international trade regulations.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to lead improvement initiatives within multi-national, multi-business unit organizations.
Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Management, or related fields, with proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and a willingness to travel.
Good Reasons to Join
There has never been a better time to work in logistics. Bring your skills to an industry that offers stability and international career growth. We offer a great compensation and medical/dental benefits package, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, excellent training programs, and a fun, and interesting global work environment. #LI-TW
Kuehne + Nagel is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you require an accommodation for any part of the online application process due to a disability, please contact the Employee Services HR Help Desk at 1-800-267-1326 during the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm EST; Monday through Friday or via e-mail at: HR.helpdesk@kuehne-nagel.com with the nature of your request. We will answer your inquiry within 24 hours.