Senior Operational Key Account Manager – Defense & Government

The Context

DSV, one of the world's largest transport and logistics groups with 150,000 colleagues across 90+ countries, is looking for a Senior Operational Key Account Manager to oversee logistics operations for strategic Aerospace & Defense clients in Abu Dhabi. The role covers air and sea freight forwarding, customs compliance, warehousing, and supply chain coordination for defense and government accounts — one of the most specialized and compliance-heavy niches in the logistics industry.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

• DSV
• Defense / Air & Sea Freight
• Full-time On-site

DSV, one of the world's largest transport and logistics groups with 150,000 colleagues across 90+ countries, is looking for a Senior Operational Key Account Manager to oversee logistics operations for strategic Aerospace & Defense clients in Abu Dhabi. The role covers air and sea freight forwarding, customs compliance, warehousing, and supply chain coordination for defense and government accounts — one of the most specialized and compliance-heavy niches in the logistics industry.

You manage all logistics operations for key Defense and government clients, including air and sea freight forwarding, export/import customs clearance, and warehouse coordination across 3PL and 4PL environments. You oversee scheduling, planning, and resource allocation for air and sea shipments with full accountability for service delivery.

You serve as the primary point of contact for strategic Defense accounts, developing and maintaining long-term partnerships. You handle client escalations efficiently and act as the main liaison between clients and internal operational teams across operations, customer service, finance, and compliance.

You ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, Export Control, ITAR, MOD/GHQ approvals, DGR Class 1 cargo requirements, and SIRA/GHQ customs authority procedures. You bring specific knowledge of Defense operation processes including pricing, shipment handling, and government relationship management.

You monitor KPIs and SLAs, implement corrective actions when needed, and support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize processes and reduce costs. You prepare regular management reports on account performance, operational challenges, and client feedback.

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field
• Extensive experience in Defense industry logistics — military, MOD, and GHQ-controlled operations mandatory
• Proven expertise handling complex tenders for large defense and government customers
• Strong understanding of Defense air and sea freight operations, Export Control, ITAR, and DGR Class 1 cargo
• Experience with oversized projects including charters and breakbulk
• Proficiency in logistics software (WMS, TMS, ERP) and MS Office
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and client relationship skills

Defense logistics is one of the most regulated and operationally demanding niches in the freight forwarding world, and Abu Dhabi is one of the most active defense procurement hubs in the GCC given ADNOC's scale and the UAE's military modernization programs. Profiles with genuine MOD/GHQ, ITAR, and Export Control expertise are exceptionally rare on the regional market, which gives qualified candidates very strong negotiating leverage.

DSV's global network and scale also mean real career mobility for strong performers, from regional KAM roles toward global defense vertical leadership positions.

For a Senior KAM with defense logistics and government account management experience, based in Abu Dhabi:

• Base salary: AED 22,000 - 35,000/month