Freight Operations Manager

WR Logistics; Slough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

WR Logistics in Slough is seeking an experienced Freight Operations Manager to lead a busy multimodal freight department, overseeing air, ocean, and road shipments while delivering exceptional service. The role requires strong leadership, UK freight forwarder knowledge, and a track record of driving efficiency and compliance with customs procedures.

Monday to Friday, permanent role with scope for progression.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding management or senior operations role.
• Experience with a UK-based freight forwarder.
• Knowledge of air, ocean, and road freight operations.
• Understanding of import/export procedures.
• Knowledge of customs processes and freight documentation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding systems such as CargoWise or Sequoia.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the multimodal freight department.
• Lead and develop a team of freight coordinators.
• Oversee end-to-end movement of air, ocean and road shipments.
• Monitor KPIs and drive efficiency and service levels.
• Ensure accurate import/export documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain relationships with customers, carriers, and suppliers.
• Resolve operational issues and customer queries promptly.
• Plan workload and allocate resources efficiently.
• Support management with reporting and process improvements.
• Promote a culture of customer service and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Freight management

Multimodal freight

Customer service

Import/Export knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Time management

Tools

CargoWise

Sequoia

Job description

Freight Operations Manager

Location: Slough, Berkshire

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Up to £55,000 (Depending on Experience)

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Freight Operations Manager to join their busy freight forwarding operation in Slough. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight professional looking to take the next step in their career or an established supervisor seeking a new challenge.

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of the freight department, ensuring the smooth movement of air, ocean, and road freight shipments while providing support, guidance, and leadership to the operations team. You will play a key role in maintaining exceptional customer service, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the multi-modal freight department, ensuring shipments are processed accurately and on time.
• Lead, support, and motivate a team of freight coordinators, providing training and ongoing development where required.
• Manage the end-to-end movement of air, ocean, and road freight shipments, ensuring customer requirements are met.
• Monitor operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and service levels.
• Ensure all import and export documentation is completed accurately and in line with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, overseas agents, and suppliers.
• Support the resolution of operational issues, delays, and customer queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with customs procedures, HMRC regulations, and company policies.
• Monitor departmental KPIs and contribute towards achieving operational and financial targets.
• Assist with workload planning and resource allocation to ensure the department operates efficiently.
• Support senior management with reporting, operational improvements, and process development.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within a freight forwarding Managerial or senior operational role.
• Experience with a UK based freight forwarder
• Strong knowledge of air, ocean, and road freight operations.
• Good understanding of import and export procedures.
• Knowledge of customs processes and freight documentation.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities to improve profitability and service.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding systems such as CargoWise, Sequoia, or similar.

What's on Offer

• Salary of up to £55,000, depending on experience.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Monday to Friday working hours.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing freight forwarding business.