Freight Operations Manager

Wayfair; London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online home goods retailer is seeking a Freight Operations Manager in London. This role involves managing a team to optimize inbound freight operations, developing carrier strategies, and ensuring cost-efficiency in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in logistics and operations management, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to drive operational improvements. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Employee Discount

Private Medical Care

Dental Care

Gym Membership

Tuition Reimbursement

25 Days Holiday

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in logistics or operations management.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of logistics professionals.
• Drive operational excellence by enhancing efficiency.
• Oversee procurement process and vendor management.

Skills

Logistics management

Vendor management

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Leadership

Tools

Google Data Studio

Tableau

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Office Based: London, EC1V 7LQ
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: The salary range for this position is £68,000 - £75,750 per year. The base salary offered may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Restricted stock units will be provided as part of the compensation package.

Company Benefits: Wayfair Employee Discount, Private Medical Care, Dental Care, Gym Membership, Tuition Reimbursement, 25 Days starting Holiday (with tenure entitlement) + Bank Holidays, Pension, Cycle to Work scheme amongst others.

Revolutionise global freight operations and lead the charge in optimising Wayfair's logistics!

CastleGate Forwarding (CGF) is a rapidly growing digital freight forwarding startup within Wayfair. We're dedicated to moving containers globally, from Wayfair suppliers to our shelves and beyond. We provide a full suite of shipping services, including consolidation in Asia, ocean freight, drayage, customs brokerage, and cargo insurance. Our goal is to offer Wayfair suppliers efficient and competitive logistics solutions. We leverage our proprietary end-to-end logistics network to enhance speed, quality, and cost efficiency.

As a Freight Operations Manager will be a key leader in our organization, responsible for steering the team that manages and optimizes our inbound freight operations and procurement strategy. Your primary focus will be to oversee carrier relationships, negotiate contracts, and improve operational efficiencies. You will be instrumental in driving cost savings and ensuring we consistently deliver high service levels. This role requires exceptional leadership, analytical problem-solving abilities, and a strategic approach to enhance transportation and procurement performance in the European market.

What You’ll Do:

Leadership & Strategy

• Manage a team of logistics professionals, providing coaching and career development.
• Drive operational excellence by owning financial performance and executing strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across departments to ensure operational success and service quality.

Freight Forwarding & Carrier Management

• Develop and implement carrier strategies for inbound freight to ensure both cost-effectiveness and reliability. Stay current on market trends, pricing, and new logistics solutions to maintain a competitive edge.
• Continuously track and improve carrier performance using key metrics like cost, transit times, and service levels.
• Manage and lead the negotiation of contracts and service level agreements with drayage providers.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Oversee the entire procurement process, including vendor selection, contract negotiation, and risk mitigation related to supplier reliability and cost volatility.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with carriers to ensure competitive pricing and a reliable supply chain.
• Implement systems to track costs and measure performance, driving continuous improvement in the procurement process.

Technology & Process Optimization

• Partner with Technology and Business Intelligence teams to utilize data, automation, and reporting tools.
• Create and deploy carrier and procurement dashboards to track performance and pinpoint areas for improvement, while also standardizing and automating processes to enhance efficiency.

What You Bring:

• Demonstrable experience in logistics, supply chain or operations management, with a track record of successfully managing carrier partnerships and performance.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams, with a focus on fostering a high-performance culture.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset, with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a structured approach to tackling operational challenges.
• Proven ability in negotiation and vendor management, adept at resolving complex issues and fostering collaborative relationships that drive mutual success.
• Proficiency in Google or Microsoft Suite and data visualization tools such as Google Data Studio, Looker, Tableau or Power BI. Any SQL/GBQ knowledge is a plus.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience leading cross-functional initiatives.

Additional Requirements

• Have the flexibility of regular travel to our Lutterworth office, approx. twice a month.

Although Logistics, supply chain, or operations management experience is essential, any additional knowledge of procurement, freight forwarding, drayage, or ocean carrier management would be a plus.

Ready to take the next step? Hit apply and let’s talk - our recruiting team is excited to hear from you!

# Disclaimer: Wayfair uses multiple job titles for advertising optimisation purposes however your internal title may differ from that on the advert.

About Wayfair Inc.

Wayfair is one of the world’s largest online destinations for the home. Whether you work in our global headquarters in Boston, or in our warehouses or offices throughout the world, we’re reinventing the way people shop for their homes. Through our commitment to industry-leading technology and creative problem-solving, we are confident that Wayfair will be home to the most rewarding work of your career. If you’re looking for rapid growth, constant learning, and dynamic challenges, then you’ll find that amazing career opportunities are knocking.

No matter who you are, Wayfair is a place you can call home. We’re a community of innovators, risk-takers, and trailblazers who celebrate our differences, and know that our unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and well-positioned for success. We value and rely on the collective voices of our employees, customers, community, and suppliers to help guide us as we build a better Wayfair – and world – for all. Every voice, every perspective matters. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Your personal data is processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice (https://www.wayfair.com/careers/privacy). If you have any questions or wish to exercise your rights under applicable privacy and data protection laws, please contact us [e-mail].