Freight Forwarding Team Leader

White Recruitment Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment Limited seeks an experienced Freight Forwarding Team Leader to manage a busy Southampton export operation. You will lead a team of 7, stay hands-on with complex shipments, and act as the link between the Operations Manager and the team.

The role emphasizes leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in export forwarding, including break bulk, OOG projects, and yacht cargo. Strong problem-solving and customer communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding and export operations.
• Experience leading an operational team.
• Exposure to break bulk, project cargo and/or out-of-gauge shipments.
• Ability to manage complex shipments from enquiry to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and oversee a team of 7 operational staff.
• Act as the day-to-day link between the Operations Manager and the team.
• Remain hands-on with export shipments management and coordination.
• Manage complex shipments from enquiry to delivery and bookings.
• Prepare shipment estimates and convert enquiries into bookings.
• Coordinate specialist cargo movements (shipping, cradling, wrapping, insurance, customs).
• Communicate proactively with customers throughout shipments and resolve issues.

Skills

Team leadership

Export operations

Freight forwarding

Customer communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Job description

Freight Forwarding Team Leader

Location: Southampton

Salary: Up to £50,000

Monday to Friday | Permanent | 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

We're looking for an experienced Sea Freight Forwarding Team Leader to join a busy Southampton operation, leading a team of 7 while remaining hands‑on with the day‑to‑day movement of complex export shipments.

This is a key role within the operations structure, acting as the link between the Operations Manager and the wider operational team. You'll provide guidance and support to the team, help resolve more complex issues and ensure shipments are managed efficiently from initial enquiry through to completion.

While there is a strong leadership element, this is not a desk‑away-from‑the‑action role. You'll continue to manage your own shipments and be actively involved in export forwarding, particularly across break bulk, out‑of‑gauge (OOG), project and yacht cargo.

The Role

• Lead, support and oversee a team of 7 operational staff.
• Act as the day‑to‑day link between the Operations Manager and the operational team.
• Remain hands‑on with the management and coordination of export shipments.
• Manage complex shipments from initial enquiry, quotation and booking through to final delivery.
• Take ownership of shipment files, ensuring all operational and financial elements are accurately managed.
• Prepare and submit shipment estimates, following these through to help convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.
• Coordinate the various elements of specialist cargo movements, including shipping, cradling, wrapping, insurance, customs and surveying.
• Proactively communicate with customers throughout the shipment, anticipating potential issues rather than simply reacting to them.
• Support the team with complex operational issues, delays and challenging shipments, using initiative and creative problem‑solving.
• Help ensure the team maintains high standards of customer service, accuracy and communication.
• Keep up to date with international shipping regulations and relevant regional political and cultural considerations.
• Share knowledge and experience with the team while helping to develop their operational capability.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with solid freight forwarding and export operations experience, with exposure to complex or specialist cargo.

You'll have experience in the following:

• Break bulk, project cargo and/or out‑of‑gauge shipments.
• Export freight forwarding and end‑to‑end shipment management.
• Preparing quotations and shipment estimates.
• Coordinating multiple suppliers and service providers.
• Customs, shipping documentation and international transport processes.
• Managing customer relationships and proactively communicating throughout a shipment.
• Supporting or leading an operational team.
• Resolving complex transport or shipment issues.