Lead Operations for a Growing International Freight Forwarder
We are a fast-growing, internationally active freight forwarding business operating across multiple countries, delivering end-to-end logistics solutions across air, sea, and multimodal freight.
As we continue to expand, we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to take ownership of our freight operations, lead a globally distributed team, and drive operational excellence across the business.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building high-performing teams, and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of an ambitious international logistics company.
The Opportunity:
This is far more than a traditional operations management role.
Working closely with the Director, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the operations department while leading and developing teams across multiple countries. You will be responsible for improving processes, driving performance, and ensuring outstanding service delivery across our international freight network.
This role offers:
- A genuine leadership position with significant autonomy.
- The opportunity to influence business strategy and operational direction.
- Responsibility for managing and developing international operations teams.
- Exposure to commercial decision-making and business growth initiatives.
- The chance to build scalable processes within a rapidly growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all day-to-day air and sea freight operations (imports and exports).
- Oversee the complete shipment lifecycle, from booking through to final delivery.
- Manage relationships with airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, customs brokers, and international agents.
- Ensure all freight documentation is completed accurately, including HAWBs, MAWBs, Bills of Lading, customs entries, and associated compliance documentation.
- Ensure full compliance with international customs regulations, trade requirements, and company procedures.
- Monitor operational performance and resolve issues quickly to maintain excellent service levels.
- Lead, mentor, and develop operations teams across multiple international locations.
- Implement and improve operational processes, SOPs, and performance metrics.
- Drive accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the operations function.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of new team members.
- Work closely with the commercial team to support pricing strategies, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
- Manage key customer relationships and ensure exceptional service delivery.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability, and overall business performance.
- Act as the operational lead and trusted second-in-command to the Director.
- Contribute to strategic planning and support the continued growth of the business.
What We're Looking For:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in freight forwarding, including significant experience in an Operations Manager or senior leadership role.
- Strong background in both Air Freight and Sea Freight operations, covering imports and exports.
- Excellent knowledge of multimodal freight forwarding and international logistics.
- Proven experience managing end-to-end freight operations.
- Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing operations teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing operational performance and profitability.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
- Ability to make decisions under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive, hands-on leader with a continuous improvement mindset.
Why Join Us?:
- Join a rapidly growing international freight forwarding business with ambitious expansion plans.
- Play a pivotal role in shaping operational strategy and business growth.
- Work alongside senior leadership with genuine influence over key decisions.
- Lead an international team in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Enjoy long-term career progression with increasing responsibility and opportunities for advancement.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Experience:
- import/export: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
