Dimitrios Balakeras
Athens
Summary
Results-driven Global Trade Management Specialist with over 9 years of experience in container shipping, logistics, and trade lane development. Proven expertise in pricing strategy, carrier negotiations, tender management, and international supply chain optimization across Europe to North America market. Strong ability to build strategic partnerships, analyze market trends, and deliver profitable growth while ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Sea Logistics Trade Management
Kuehne + Nagel S.A.
10.2018 - Current
- Drive sustainable volume and yield growth on Europe to North America trade lane.
- Procure, negotiate and manage carrier contracts, to ensure cost efficiency, service quality, and operational reliability.
- Formulate pricing strategies and assess market trends to reinforce country-level commercial initiatives.
- Manage global RFQs and tender processes, providing competitive and profitable pricing solutions.
- Respond to daily quotations, monitor market fluctuations, and implement rate adjustments when required.
- Engage national managers, route developers, sales teams, and specialized product divisions to enhance strategic business growth.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders while managing contract implementation.
- Resolve operational escalations and share critical market intelligence across the organization.
Seafreight Export Coordinator
Kuehne + Nagel S.A.
05.2016 - 09.2018
- Coordinated end-to-end export operations with shippers, carriers, and service providers.
- Prepared shipping and compliance documentation, including Bills of Lading, FDA forms, B13 declarations, and certificates of origin.
- Managed shipment schedules, optimizing logistics to enhance delivery timelines.
- Collaborated with customs brokers to facilitate smooth clearance processes for shipments.
- Supervised a team of shipping coordinators, improving workflow efficiency and accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with regulations for pharmaceutical and dangerous goods shipments.
- Monitored financial processes, including credit checks, payments, and insurance coverage.
- Provided proactive customer support and resolved operational issues efficiently.
- Facilitated sales teams during customer onboarding and account setup.
HR Department
G4S Secure Solutions S.A.
08.2014 - 04.2016
- Coordinated daily HR functions and administrative responsibilities.
- Managed recruitment processes, improving employee requests and candidate communication.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Aristotle University
Thessaloniki, Greece09-2012
Master of Science - Sustainable Development
International Hellenic University
Thessaloniki, Greece06-2014
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Negotiation
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
Certification
Procurement Negotiation Training – Dr. John Glen, Centre for Executive Development, Cranfield University
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Intermediate (B1)
German
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Global Sea Logistics Trade Management
Kuehne + Nagel S.A.
10.2018 - Current
Seafreight Export Coordinator
Kuehne + Nagel S.A.
05.2016 - 09.2018
HR Department
G4S Secure Solutions S.A.
08.2014 - 04.2016
Master of Science - Sustainable Development
International Hellenic University
Bachelor of Science - Economics
Aristotle University