Freight Forwarding Assistant Manager

Red Recruits; England; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency specializing in freight is seeking a Freight Forwarding Assistant Manager in South-East Suffolk to support daily operations and lead a small team. The ideal candidate will have experience in import/export operations, quoting, and customs declarations. This role is perfect for someone looking to step into a leadership position within a high-performing team. Competitive salary of circa £38,000 dependent on experience.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in import and export operations required.
• Competence in quoting and rate procurement essential.
• Proficient in CDS customs declarations necessary.
• Experience in leading or supervising a small team.
• Exposure to financial reporting (job costing, margin tracking).

Responsibilities

• Support the Branch Manager with daily operations.
• Prepare quotes and nurture client relationships.
• Oversee CDS declarations and ensure compliance.
• Produce KPI reports and ensure branch efficiency.
• Coach a small team and maintain workload standards.

Skills

Import and export operations

Quoting and rate procurement

CDS customs declarations

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Job description

Freight Forwarding Assistant Manager

Location: South-East Suffolk (exact branch disclosed at interview)

Salary: Circa £38,000 DOE

An opportunity for an experienced Freight Forwarding Supervisor to step into an Assistant Branch Manager role within a close-knit, high-performing team. This position covers South-East Suffolk and will suit someone who enjoys a hands‑on remit with clear scope to take the lead during holiday cover and peak periods.

What you'll be doing:

• Support the Branch Manager with day‑to‑day operations across import, export, customer care and administration.
• Prepare accurate quotes and nurture client relationships, including occasional on‑site and video meetings.
• Oversee CDS declarations and ensure compliant, timely file handling across modes.
• Produce reports and KPIs; contribute to the smooth running of the branch.
• Step up to cover duties during absences; step down seamlessly when the manager returns.
• Coach and coordinate a small team, helping to prioritise workload and maintain standards.

Essential experience:

• Hands‑on import and export operations.
• Quoting and rate procurement.
• Proficiency with CDS customs declarations.
• Proven ability to lead or supervise a small team.
• Financial reporting exposure (e.g., job costing, margin tracking, KPIs).

It would help if you also have:

• Confidence engaging with customers in person and online.
• Strong attention to detail and a calm, organised approach.

How to apply:

Please send your CV and a brief note on your relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a confidential discussion.

* If you'd like to know more about this Freight Forwarding AssistantManager opportunity, or know someone suitable, please share this advert or send us their details. Successful referrals qualify for our candidate referral scheme.

Red Recruit specialise in freight and shipping recruitment, with opportunities across all levels. Not all roles are advertised, so feel free to send us your CV in confidence or call us directly.