The Prospect

Our client is a growing boutique international freight forwarder with a strong reputation for delivering customized logistics solutions across North America and globally. Entrepreneurial, agile, and relationship-driven, the company has built a loyal client base by solving complex transportation challenges with a high level of service and technical expertise.

As the business continues to grow, Project Cargo has emerged as a significant strategic opportunity.

Fueled by unprecedented global investment in AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centres, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, mining and other large-scale industrial projects, demand for specialized Project Cargo expertise continues to accelerate. The movement of oversized, over-dimensional, high-value and mission-critical equipment has become one of the fastest-growing segments within international freight forwarding.

Recognizing this opportunity, our client is investing in building a dedicated Project Cargo capability and is seeking an experienced Head of Project Cargo to lead that initiative.

This is not a role where you'll inherit a mature department or a large team. It's an opportunity to build the capability while remaining directly involved in the work. You'll have the support of an experienced leadership team, the flexibility of a growing boutique organization, and the opportunity to shape how Project Cargo is delivered as the business continues to expand.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to do more than manage projects. It's an opportunity to become the technical leader behind a growing business, helping establish the processes, partnerships, operational excellence and market reputation that will position the company as a trusted provider of complex international Project Cargo solutions.

The Role

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for owning the complete lifecycle of complex international Project Cargo movements.

From the earliest client conversations through planning, solution design, sourcing, pricing, execution and final delivery, you'll own each project from start to finish.

Success in this role requires someone who combines deep technical Project Cargo expertise with exceptional communication, organization and execution skills. This is a true end-to-end ownership role where you'll be involved from the earliest client discussions through solution design, sourcing specialized providers, developing commercial quotations, coordinating execution and ensuring successful delivery.

While experience winning Project Cargo opportunities is certainly an asset, this is fundamentally an operations and execution leadership role, not a business development position.

What You'll Be Responsible For

You'll lead complex domestic and international Project Cargo shipments involving oversized, over-dimensional, overweight and high-value freight.

Responsibilities include:

- Meet directly with clients to understand project requirements, cargo specifications, engineering considerations, timelines and operational constraints.
- Design customized transportation solutions for complex international shipments.
- Develop routing strategies utilizing ocean, air,



rail and specialized ground transportation.
- Source, evaluate and negotiate with ocean carriers, heavy lift operators, vessel charter providers, air charter operators, specialized trucking companies, ports, terminals, crane operators, surveyors and international logistics partners.
- Prepare accurate quotations, costing models and transportation solutions for complex Project Cargo opportunities.
- Own every stage of the project lifecycle from initial client consultation and technical solution development through procurement, pricing, execution, final delivery and post-project review.
- Coordinate engineering firms, specialized transport providers, customs brokers, ports, terminals, overseas agents and multiple service providers to ensure seamless execution.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout each project, providing proactive communication, technical guidance and regular project updates.
- Proactively identify operational risks and resolve issues before they impact project timelines.
- Build and strengthen long-term relationships with carriers, heavy lift providers, overseas agents and strategic logistics partners.
- Develop standardized operating procedures, project workflows, pricing methodologies and preferred vendor networks.
- Support internal sales and operations teams with technical Project Cargo expertise.
- Help establish Project Cargo as a specialized capability and long-term growth platform within the business.

What Success Looks Like

First 90 Days

- Develop a deep understanding of the company's operations, clients and current Project Cargo opportunities.
- Build relationships with internal teams, carriers, agents and strategic partners.
- Begin leading active Project Cargo opportunities from planning through execution.
- Evaluate current processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Establish credibility as the organization's technical Project Cargo expert.

Within 6 Months

- Successfully lead multiple complex international Project Cargo movements.
- Develop repeatable workflows and operational playbooks.
- Strengthen relationships with key global carriers and specialized providers.
- Improve pricing consistency, project planning and operational execution.
- Become the primary internal resource for complex logistics solutions.

Within 12 Months

- Establish a recognized and scalable Project Cargo capability.
- Build a preferred network of trusted global carriers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Create repeatable operational processes that support future growth.
- Position the organization as a trusted provider of complex international Project Cargo solutions across AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centres, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, mining and other industrial sectors.

Who We're Looking For





We're looking for a seasoned Project Cargo professional who enjoys solving complex logistics challenges and takes pride in delivering exceptional execution.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable sitting with a client to understand technical requirements, developing transportation solutions, sourcing specialized providers, negotiating commercial terms, coordinating execution and overseeing every detail until the cargo reaches its destination.

This is someone who enjoys being directly involved in the work, thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to help build a specialized capability within a growing organization.

Ideal Background

You may currently hold a title such as:

- Head of Project Cargo
- Project Cargo Manager
- Senior Project Cargo Specialist
- Project Logistics Manager
- Heavy Lift Manager
- OOG / Heavy Lift Specialist
- Project Cargo Solutions Manager
- Director, Project Logistics
- Industrial Projects Manager

Experience

Essential Experience

- Extensive international freight forwarding experience is essential.
- Deep expertise in ocean freight and international Project Cargo logistics.
- Strong knowledge of breakbulk, heavy lift, RoRo, flat rack, vessel chartering and multimodal transportation.
- Proven experience coordinating international shipments involving multiple overseas agents, ports, terminals, carriers and specialized logistics providers.

Preferred Experience

- 10-15+ years in international freight forwarding and Project Cargo.
- Extensive experience moving oversized, over-dimensional, overweight and high-value cargo internationally.
- Strong expertise managing Project Exports and complex industrial logistics.
- Experience coordinating heavy lift, breakbulk, RoRo, flat rack, vessel charters and air charters where required.
- Experience preparing complex quotations and transportation solutions.
- Vendor sourcing, procurement and commercial negotiation.
- Route planning, feasibility assessments and operational risk management.
- Coordinating multiple stakeholders across international shipments.
- Exceptional client communication and relationship management.
- Experience supporting industries such as AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centres, digital infrastructure, mining, energy, advanced manufacturing, industrial equipment, power generation or major capital projects.

The successful candidate is:

- A technically credible Project Cargo professional with deep international freight forwarding expertise.
- Highly organized and execution-focused.
- Calm under pressure and comfortable managing multiple moving parts.
- An exceptional communicator who builds trust with clients, vendors, carriers and internal teams.
- Commercially aware, while remaining passionate about operational excellence and execution.
- Resourceful, proactive and solutions-oriented.
- Comfortable working within a growing entrepreneurial organization where adaptability and initiative are valued.
- Excited by the opportunity to build a specialized capability while remaining directly involved in delivering exceptional client outcomes.

The role is hybrid if the candidate is located in the GTA, however, for the right candidate outside of the GTA, the client is open to remote.

📌 Head of Project Cargo (Toronto)
🏢 Ari Agency Executive Search and Digital Recruitment
📍 Toronto