General Manager Operations

Reed; Barking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Rail organization is seeking a General Manager for Intermodal Operations to oversee the relaunch of a terminal in Essex. The role involves leading strategic planning and operational management while focusing on customer satisfaction and team development. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing business line in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in real-time operations management required.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills essential.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and execution of intermodal service launch.
• Manage day-to-day terminal operations and subcontractor performance.
• Ensure service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Operations Management

Leadership

Intermodal Logistics

Customer Service

Education

Degree or equivalent in Management, Transport, or Logistics

Job description

General Manager – Intermodal Operations

Initially remote - then East London / Essex (with occasional travel to Kent)

Permanent, Full-Time

We are proud to be partnering with a leading Rail organisation on a pivotal hire: General Manager – Intermodal Operations. This is a rare opportunity to lead the relaunch of a strategically significant terminal in Essex and oversee the introduction of a new intermodal rail service.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in building the on-site team and driving the full operational restart. From initial mobilisation through to steady-state operations, this role offers the chance to shape a new business line with substantial growth potential.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of the intermodal service launch.
• Develop and refine operational procedures across terminal and transport services.
• Oversee infrastructure reinstatement and enhancement works.
• Support wider business development efforts, including client and operator engagement.

Terminal Management

• Manage day-to-day terminal operations and subcontractor performance.
• Plan capacity, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Identify and implement operational and infrastructure improvements.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Intermodal Rail Service Oversight

• Lead a team of operations and dispatch agents.
• Ensure service quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage stakeholder communications and foster a positive customer experience.
• Adapt operations to meet demand and identify opportunities to increase load factor.

Decision-Making Authority:

The General Manager will hold full accountability for:

• Strategic and operational management of terminal and transport services, including P&L ownership.
• Recruitment, development, and performance management of direct reports.
• Staff selection and promotion within the intermodal unit.
• Budget planning and operational expenditure (within defined limits).

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Proven experience in real-time operations management.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Expertise in rail freight and intermodal logistics.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Desirable:

• Degree or equivalent experience in Management, Transport, or Logistics.
• Multilingual (English required; French is a strong advantage).
• Inclusive mindset with the ability to work across cultures.

If this is of interest to you, please get in touch today as we are shortlisting for interviews!