At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and lead strategic partnerships with freight forwarders in the pharma logistics sector.
- Company: Join SkyCell, a purpose-driven company transforming global logistics and healthcare.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career growth opportunities, and generous parental leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team and enjoy a supportive, award-winning culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how vital medicines are delivered worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in freight forwarding or logistics, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We're looking for a Freight Forwarder Partnership Manager - EMEA to build and lead SkyCell's relationships with freight forwarders at the HQ and regional level, turning transactional shipping relationships into strategic, long-term partnerships. You'll work across two types of accounts: specialized Clinical Trial forwarders, where you'll take direct commercial ownership and global forwarders specialised in Cold Chain, where you'll build joint business plans and drive adoption from the top down. This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role at the intersection of sales, partnership management and pharma logistics.
You'll be one of the people directly shaping how the world's most important medicines move, working with major logistics players on something that genuinely matters. It's a role with real ownership, a seat at the table with senior stakeholders inside and outside SkyCell, and the chance to build a partnership model from the ground up rather than inherit someone else's playbook.
Why SkyCell?
- Purpose-Driven Work: Make a real difference by contributing to a more sustainable future in global logistics and healthcare.
- Innovation at Heart: Work with cutting-edge technology and be at the forefront of supply chain innovation.
- Stronger together: Join a supportive team of talented individuals from over 40 countries, where we work together every step of the way.
- Growth Opportunities: We believe in investing in our people – continuous learning and development are key pillars of SkyCell.
- Award-Winning Culture: Join a workplace recognized for its commitment to excellence with a ‘Great Place to work’ award, as well as a Platinum Ecovadis rating highlighting our sustainability and employee well-being.
What You'll Do:
- Own key forwarder relationships end-to-end: take full commercial ownership: win new logos, defend and grow existing accounts and build the C-suite relationships that unlock deployment at scale.
- Build strategic partnerships with major global forwarders: align with leadership on joint business plans, co-develop continuous improvement initiatives around cost and reliability and turn SkyCell into a co-innovation partner rather than just another supplier.
- Drive adoption, not just contracts: run the programs that deepen engagement across the forwarder network and help shift forwarder sentiment from indifferent to genuinely advocating for SkyCell.
- Lead deals cross-functionally: act as the functional lead when a forwarder relationship surfaces a commercial opportunity, pulling in Container Solutions, CX and Airline teams to shape and close it.
- Keep the pipeline and account intelligence sharp: maintain clear account maps, stakeholder landscapes, and forecasts across your regions and feed market and competitive intelligence back into the business.
What success looks like:
- Forwarder-driven revenue is growing, both directly (new partnerships, new lanes) and indirectly (container adoption, execution excellence).
- Forwarders proactively position SkyCell and advocate for it internally - you've won on value, not on price.
- You can point to forwarder relationships that have measurably shifted from indifferent to genuinely supportive.
- Your programs and product suite are seeing real, expanding adoption across your accounts.
- Your pipeline is healthy, your account plans are current and nothing falls through the cracks.
What You'll Bring:
- Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain partnerships, ideally with exposure to pharma or another regulated, high-value cargo segment.
- A track record of managing B2B partnerships or key accounts at the HQ/executive level, not just operationally.
- Comfort working both strategically (joint business plans, executive alignment) and hands‑on (chasing a deal, coordinating a cross‑functional team to close it).
- Strong stakeholder management skills: you can build trust with global directors just as easily as with a station manager.
- A collaborative mindset: this role only works if you're genuinely good at pulling in other sales colleagues and specialists rather than trying to do it all yourself.
What's In It For You?
- Flexibility & Balance: Flexible working hours and work-life balance allow you to tailor work to fit your life.
- Recognition & Growth: Opportunities for career advancement in a company that values your contributions.
- Hybrid Workplace: Modern workspaces (in Zurich, Zug and Hyderabad as well as our Skyhub in Basel) and a remote-friendly culture to inspire collaboration amongst a globally diverse team.
- Company‑wide Events: Join us for company events to celebrate successes, build teams, and share our vision. Plus, new joiners experience SkyWeek, our immersive onboarding program.
- Generous Maternity & Paternity Leave: Support for new parents with competitive maternity and paternity leave.
- Annual Leave & Bank Holidays: Enjoy a generous annual leave package, plus local bank holidays to recharge and unwind.
Ready to Make an Impact? We’re not just offering a job; we’re offering a chance to be part of something bigger. At SkyCell, you’ll help build a future where pharmaceutical delivery is efficient, sustainable, and transformative.
SkyCell AG is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Freight Forwarder Partnership Manager - EMEA employer: SkyCell AG
SkyCell is an exceptional employer that empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the global supply chain, particularly in the airline and cargo sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the company fosters a diverse work culture that encourages personal and professional growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and motivated to contribute to life-saving solutions. Join us to be part of a fast-growing, purpose-driven team where your efforts directly contribute to a more sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freight Forwarder Partnership Manager - EMEA
✨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 SkyCell AG 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 SkyCell AG!
✨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 SkyCell AG 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 Freight Forwarder Partnership Manager - EMEA
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 SkyCell AG:This is your chance to really connect with the team at SkyCell AG. 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 SkyCell AG
✨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 SkyCell AG.
✨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 SkyCell AG 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 SkyCell AG. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!