Operational Key Account Manager

Operational Key Account Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
American President Lines

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage key customer relationships and oversee operational delivery in the Aerospace sector.
  • Company: Join CEVA Logistics, a top global logistics provider with a dynamic work culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, pension, life assurance, and discounts on various brands.
  • Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and career development in an inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of logistics while driving continuous improvement and service excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in freight forwarding or logistics operations, especially in air and ocean freight.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products, and providers all around the world. Present in 170+ countries and with more than 110,000 employees spread over 1,500 sites, we are proud to be a Top 5 global 3PL. We believe that our employees are the key to our success. We want to engage and empower our diverse, global team to co-create value with our customers through our solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground, and finished vehicle transport. That is why CEVA Logistics offers a dynamic and exceptional work environment that fosters personal growth, innovation, and continuous improvement. DARE TO GROW!

Your Role

CEVA Logistics are seeking an Operations Key Account Manager (OKAM), to be responsible for managing key customer relationships within our Aerospace sector, overseeing the operational delivery of services across Air and Ocean freight. Reporting directly to the Business Unit Director, this role ensures service excellence, drives continuous improvement, and supports account growth by working closely with operational, commercial and customer teams across the network.

What are you going to do?

  • Take ownership of operational performance for assigned Aerospace accounts, ensuring all services are delivered in line with agreed KPIs and contractual requirements.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for customer and supplier queries, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and service levels are maintained.
  • Oversee data quality and reporting accuracy, ensuring performance insights are reliable and actionable.
  • Support commercial activities by contributing to RFQs, working closely with Account Managers, Tender Management and Pricing teams to capture customer requirements, support new traffic opportunities and maintain accurate rate cards.
  • Partner with operational teams across the network to ensure customer SOPs are clearly understood and consistently applied, maintaining high service standards across all locations.
  • Coordinate customer service delivery, ensuring alignment across all departments involved in the account.
  • Support customer business reviews, including monthly, quarterly and annual meetings, where you will present operational performance, identify improvement opportunities and contribute to future strategy.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying optimisation opportunities across routing, processes and suppliers, and leading internal workshops to enhance service capability in line with customer and market requirements.

What are we looking for?

  • Strong experience in freight forwarding or logistics operations, with exposure to air and ocean freight and a good understanding of customer account management.
  • A proven ability to manage operational performance, work with KPIs, and drive service improvements within a customer‑focused environment.
  • Experience working with aerospace customers or within regulated industries would be highly advantageous.
  • Strong stakeholder‑management skills are essential, as you will be working with customers, internal teams, suppliers and senior leadership.
  • Confidence in handling escalations, influencing outcomes and building long‑term relationships.
  • Commercial awareness, able to support pricing activities, identify growth opportunities and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • A proactive, analytical and solution focused mindset is key, alongside strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

What do we have to offer?

With a genuine culture of reward and recognition, we want our employees to grow, develop and be part of our journey. We offer a benefits package that includes competitive annual leave entitlement with a fantastic holiday buy scheme, pension and life assurance along with access to an employee benefits platform that offers discounts on gym memberships and money off vouchers for a diverse range of retail, travel and hospitality brands. There’s no doubt that you will be compensated for your hard work and commitment.

About Tomorrow

We value your professional and personal growth. That’s why we share plenty of career opportunities for you to thrive within CEVA. CEVA Logistics UK&I is committed to attracting, acquiring and retaining the best possible candidates in an equal and inclusive way that is consistent with employment legislation and best practice.

Operational Key Account Manager employer: American President Lines

CEVA Logistics is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and innovation within a dynamic work environment. Located at London Heathrow, we offer a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, pension schemes, and access to exclusive discounts, all while fostering a culture of recognition and support for personal and professional development. Join us to be part of a global leader in logistics, where your contributions are valued and your career can truly flourish.

American President Lines

Contact Details:

American President Lines Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operational Key Account Manager

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like American President Lines and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at American President Lines!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like American President Lines keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Operational Key Account Manager

Freight Forwarding
Logistics Operations
Air Freight
Ocean Freight
Customer Account Management
Operational Performance Management
KPI Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to American President Lines:This is your chance to really connect with the team at American President Lines. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at American President Lines

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with American President Lines.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show American President Lines that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at American President Lines. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!