Freight Operations Manager

WR Logistics; Ringway; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

WR Logistics is seeking an experienced Freight Operations Manager to oversee the busy freight forwarding operation in Manchester near the airport. The role focuses on leading the operations team, improving processes, and ensuring cost-efficient shipment handling while maintaining high service levels.

You will coordinate import/export shipments, manage customer and partner relationships, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement across the department.

Qualifications

• Experience in UK freight forwarding management.
• Knowledge of import/export procedures.
• Proven leadership and team development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day freight forwarding operations.
• Lead and develop the operations team.
• Coordinate import/export shipments and documentation.
• Monitor performance, costs and KPIs.
• Maintain customer and partner relationships.
• Ensure compliance with regulations.
• Support new business initiatives with sales.
• Produce operational reports and analytics.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Leadership

Operations management

Customer service

Compliance

Documentation

Tools

Freight management systems

Job description

Freight Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Freight Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of a busy freight forwarding operation in Manchester near the airport. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and commercially minded individual with a strong background in freight forwarding, proven leadership skills and the ability to ensure a high standard of operational service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the operations team, maintaining service levels, improving operational processes and ensuring shipments are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. You will play a key role in supporting business growth, developing the team and maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers and overseas partners.

Location: Manchester
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the freight forwarding department, ensuring shipments are managed efficiently and delivered in line with customer requirements.
• Manage, support and develop the operations team, providing guidance, training and performance management where required.
• Coordinate import and export shipments across relevant freight modes, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with customs and international shipping regulations.
• Monitor operational performance, service levels and productivity, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, carriers, hauliers, overseas agents and other logistics partners.
• Handle operational escalations and resolve shipment issues, delays and customer complaints effectively.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, internal procedures and company quality standards.
• Work closely with sales and commercial teams to support new business implementation and maintain excellent customer service.
• Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Produce and review operational reports, KPIs and performance metrics.
• Support the continuous improvement of systems, processes and working practices across the department.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in a management role within UK freight forwarding.
• Strong understanding of freight operations, including import and export procedures.
• Experience managing, motivating and developing an operations team.
• Good knowledge of customs procedures, shipping documentation and international freight regulations.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial awareness, including an understanding of operational costs, service delivery and profitability.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Good IT skills and experience using freight management systems.
• A proactive approach to operational improvement and team development.

WR Logistics are a leading recruitment partner for the logistics and supply chain industry, recruiting across the UK, Europe, and the USA for permanent opportunities.

WR Logistics is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy