FCL Trade Manager

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The FCL Trade Manager is responsible for developing and managing DHL’s full-container-load ocean freight business across assigned trade lanes. Requirements typically include a degree or equivalent experience in logistics, supply chain, international trade, or business; strong knowledge of ocean freight, shipping documentation, pricing, and market trends; and proven experience in freight forwarding or commercial trade management. The candidate is expected to build carrier and customer relationships, identify growth opportunities, manage profitability, support tender and pricing activities, and coordinate with sales, operations, and overseas offices. Strong negotiation, analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills are essential, along with commercial awareness and the ability to work across international markets.

About the employer

DHL is a global logistics and express delivery company operating in more than 220 countries and territories. It is part of DHL Group and provides international express, freight forwarding, supply chain management, e-commerce, and contract logistics services. DHL Global Forwarding, the business most relevant to this role, arranges air, ocean, and road freight while helping companies manage customs, documentation, inventory, and complex international supply chains. Singapore is an important regional logistics and maritime hub, making it a significant location for DHL’s Asia-Pacific operations. The company is known for its extensive global network, technology-enabled logistics solutions, customer-focused service, and emphasis on sustainability. Employees commonly work with multinational customers, carriers, overseas offices, and internal commercial and operational teams, offering strong exposure to international trade and career opportunities across the logistics sector.

Working in Singapore

Singapore is a compact, highly connected island and a major center for logistics, shipping, aviation, finance, technology, and regional headquarters. Job opportunities are strong for professionals in freight forwarding, supply chain, procurement, sales, data, engineering, and financial services, although competition is high. The culture is multicultural, efficient, and generally business-oriented, with English widely used at work. Lifestyle combines modern housing, excellent public transport, diverse food, shopping, green spaces, and lively neighborhoods, but accommodation and daily expenses can be expensive. Most foreign professionals need an employer-sponsored work pass; managers and specialists commonly use the Employment Pass, subject to salary and eligibility requirements. Employers usually guide successful hires through the application process. Relocating involves arranging housing, healthcare coverage, banking, tax registration, and schooling if applicable. Singapore’s tropical climate is hot and humid year-round, with frequent rain, so newcomers should plan for that when choosing accommodation and commuting arrangements.