Branch Manager – Freight Forwarding

SDW Recruitment Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global freight forwarding company in Southampton is seeking a commercially minded Branch Manager to lead its operations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in freight forwarding and a strong sales background. This role will involve driving sales and operations while setting the foundation for the branch's expansion. The package includes a salary of £50,000 – £60,000, along with various benefits such as a company car, private healthcare, and 22 days of holiday that increase with service.

Benefits

Bonus Scheme

Company Car or Car Allowance

Private Healthcare

Laptop & Mobile Phone

22 Days Holiday (increasing with service)

Death in Service Policy

Qualifications

• Proven experience in freight forwarding (import/export, ideally multimodal).
• Strong sales background with a record of winning new clients.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to lead both sales and operations.
• Hands-on leadership style with a passion for team growth and branch success.
• Flexibility to thrive in a smaller, growing branch.

Responsibilities

• Drive both sales and day-to-day operations.
• Lead commercially until a dedicated BDM is hired.
• Set the foundation for the branch's ongoing expansion.

Skills

Proven experience in freight forwarding

Strong sales background

Commercial acumen

Hands-on leadership style

Flexibility in a growing branch

Job description

This role has become live again which has no reflection on the company just a change in the successful candidate’s personal circumstances (hadn’t started).

Are you ready to take the next step in your freight forwarding career?
We’re working with a well-established global freight forwarder that’s looking for a commercially minded and driven Branch Manager to lead its Southampton office.

This is a fantastic opportunity for:

• An experienced Business Development Manager in freight forwarding ready to step up into leadership


• An established Branch Manager looking for a fresh challenge


• Or a strong Supervisor who’s eager to move into a senior management role

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in freight forwarding (import/export, ideally multimodal)


• A strong sales background with a record of winning new clients


• Commercial acumen with the ability to lead both sales and operations


• A hands‑on leadership style with a passion for team growth and branch success


• The flexibility to thrive in a smaller, growing branch with exciting plans ahead

The Role:

You'll be responsible for driving both sales and day‑to‑day operations. While the company is planning to hire a dedicated BDM soon, you’ll initially take the lead commercially – playing a key role in setting the foundation for the branch’s ongoing expansion.

Package & Benefits:

• Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 (DOE)


• Bonus Scheme (Branch Manager level)


• Company Car or Car Allowance + Fuel Card (for petrol/diesel vehicles)


• Private Healthcare


• Laptop & Mobile Phone


• 22 Days Holiday (increasing with service)


• Death in Service Policy


• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm