Rail Excellence Made in Germany – with You in the Lead
In this role, you will actively shape the future of rail freight logistics. You will take on full strategic and operational responsibility for one of the market’s leading rail products – with P&L ownership and wide-ranging scope for initiative.
The position is embedded within an internationally active logistics company that combines a strong domestic land transport structure with a decisive role in shaping intermodal solutions across Europe. As part of a global network, the company offers stable processes, advanced technology, and an environment focused on long-term quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainable development.
Your Responsibilities
In this key leadership role, you are responsible for the entire rail business in Germany – from operational excellence to long-term strategic development.
You will take full budget and P&L responsibility for the rail product in Germany. Together with the team leads of Rail Product Management and Rail Operations, you will lead your teams both professionally and disciplinarily. You will manage strategic workforce planning, including succession planning, recruitment, and team development.
You will design and implement the product strategy for the German market in alignment with the company’s overarching product management. This includes positioning the rail product in the market and developing compelling value propositions and sales messaging together with Sales and Marketing.
You will drive business development by expanding the customer portfolio, increasing revenue and profitability, and supporting sales and key account management in client acquisition and retention. You will assess and approve customer-specific requirements beyond the product standard and act as a key advisor for both internal and external stakeholders on all rail freight topics.
You will manage the procurement and negotiation of transport services, ensure compliance with internal rail SOPs, and analyze key performance indicators to support continuous improvement in operational performance. You will also identify and evaluate potential digital and IT-related innovations for the rail product. Close coordination with the Head of Road & Rail Germany and regional product management is an essential part of the role.
Your Profile
You hold a degree in logistics, business administration, or a comparable qualification.
You have in-depth knowledge of rail freight, ideally with a focus on intermodal transport. You bring extensive experience in leading interdisciplinary teams and are passionate about modern leadership approaches and collaborative management.
You combine strong market insight and innovation skills with a confident, solution-oriented mindset – even under pressure. Excellent communication and negotiation skills round out your profile. You are fluent in both German and English, spoken and written.
Interested?
If this opportunity appeals to you and you would like more information, our Executive Search expert Christian Nebel will be happy to speak with you in confidence. You can reach him at cn@wcl.de.
We look forward to meeting you.