Freight Operations Manager

Overview

As Freight Operations Manager, you will lead the Manchester freight forwarding operations to ensure timely, cost-effective shipments. You will develop and manage the operations team while maintaining service levels and driving process improvements. You will liaise with customers, carriers and overseas partners to support growth and reliability. This role combines hands-on operational leadership with a focus on compliance, efficiency and profitability. You will be central to delivering excellent service in a fast-paced, international logistics environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day freight forwarding operations, ensuring efficient shipment handling and alignment with customer requirements
• Lead, coach and develop the operations team, including performance management and training
• Coordinate import/export shipments across modes with accurate documentation and customs compliance
• Monitor performance, service levels and productivity; identify and implement improvements
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, hauliers, overseas agents and logistics partners
• Manage escalations, resolve delays and customer complaints effectively
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, procedures and quality standards
• Collaborate with sales and commercial teams to support new business and sustain service excellence
• Track operational costs and identify efficiency and profitability opportunities
• Produce and review operational reports, KPIs and performance metrics
• Support continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices within the department

Key requirements

• Previous management experience in UK freight forwarding
• Strong understanding of freight operations, including import/export procedures
• Experience motivating and developing an operations team
• Knowledge of customs procedures, shipping documentation and international freight regulations
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills; capable of managing operational challenges in a fast-paced environment
• Commercial awareness of costs, service delivery and profitability
• Excellent communication and customer service skills with relationship-building ability
• Good IT skills and experience with freight management systems
• Proactive approach to operational improvement and team development

• leadership
• communication
• problem-solving
• freight management systems
• customs procedures
• shipping documentation

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