Job description

PLEASE NOTE: We're only considering candidates who are already based in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, we can't offer visa sponsorship or help with relocation. Thank you for understanding.

⏰ Hours: 40 hours/week
⚓ Location: Amsterdam (hybrid work)
⌛ Starting date: As soon as possible

Are you passionate about reducing the climate impact of the transport, freight, and logistics sectors? We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Program Manager - Air Freight to design, develop, and lead a major new initiative.

✈️ About Smart Freight Centre:

Think about the package that just arrived at your doorstep. The products on store shelves, or the goods being shipped across oceans. Logistics is everywhere, powering the world we live in. And because it’s everywhere, it’s also one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions globally.

That’s where Smart Freight Centre (SFC) steps in. We’re tackling the carbon footprint of logistics head-on, working with businesses, governments, and key players around the globe. Our mission? To transform the logistics sector into a zero-emission industry by 2050, or hopefully even sooner. Want to help drive this change? Join us.

✏️ About the position:

SFC is currently strengthening its aviation program, Clean Air Transport. The main focus of this role is to co-lead the program and elevate it to the next level, helping to drive a major shift in the global air freight sector.

You’ll work closely with the Program Director and the Strategic Services team, with the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s most prominent public-facing companies (FT500 or equivalent).

⭐ Here’s an idea of what tasks you might be working on:

• Leading strategic planning and implementation for the Clean Air Transport (CAT) Program, ensuring alignment with SFC’s overall goals and guidance from the Program Director.
• Preparing content and facilitating regular meetings with CAT members to support alignment, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
• Monitoring developments in the sector, identifying strategic opportunities, and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the CAT roadmap.
• Managing the development and refinement of technical methodologies for calculating and reporting airline emissions, in close coordination with IATA and other key stakeholders.
• Overseeing strategic relationships with data platform providers (SFC-accredited tools).
• Supporting recruitment and retention of CAT members.
• Designing and overseeing strategic workstreams, collaborative projects, and governance structures in response to member needs and sector priorities.
• Representing the CAT Program and SFC at industry events, roundtables, and forums.
• Leading the development of content and guidance materials for CAT-related initiatives, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), policy briefings, and technical documentation.
• Providing mentoring and direction to other team members to ensure effective program delivery and support their professional development.

Ideal candidate

⭐ We are looking for someone who has:

• A strong technical interest and understanding of the air transport industry and its decarbonization challenges—covering technical, operational, and energy-related aspects
• At least 5 years of professional experience in sustainability or climate change, ideally within the freight or logistics sector
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, management, and communication skills, with a proven track record
• Demonstrated success in leading industry programs and delivering impactful projects
• Solid project and budget management capabilities
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive, organized, and innovative approach—this role offers autonomy and space to improve internal tools such as our contact database and suggest enhancements to our communications
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to translate technical content into accessible language for broader audiences
• Fluency in English, equivalent to native-level proficiency
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and prioritize tasks effectively
• A genuine motivation to make a difference, and a desire to join a passionate, purpose-driven team

Why us?

❤️ Join a culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. What you will get: 

At Smart Freight Centre, we believe in collaboration, creativity, and sustainability. We value everyone’s ideas and create a welcoming space where you can grow and make an impact.

• Take time for yourself: Enjoy 27 days of holiday and 10 public holidays to relax, recharge, and do what matters most to you.
• Right where you need to be: Our office is located in the heart of Amsterdam, offering the perfect base for hybrid working.
• Travel made easy: If you’re in the Netherlands, we’ll provide you with an NS Business card, so commuting is one less thing to worry about.
• Bike loan scheme: Prefer cycling? We’ll help you get rolling with our bike loan program. 
• Grow with us: With unlimited access to Coursera and other learning opportunities, you can keep building your skills and knowledge.
• Care for your mind: Full access to OpenUp means you can connect with psychologists, join mindfulness classes, and explore courses to support your mental health.
• Good times guaranteed: Whether it’s a creative workshop, a fun challenge, or some drinks and bites, join our team-building activities and enjoy time with your colleagues.

About us

https://youtu.be/CuLeA2SvikM