Key Account Manager - Ocean Freight

Freight Force Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunities

Competitive salary and commission structure

Innovative work environment

Job summary

A logistics recruitment agency is looking for a Key Account Manager with a focus on ocean freight in Leeds. The successful candidate will manage key client relationships, enhance service delivery, and identify growth opportunities. The role requires at least 2 years of relevant experience, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of ocean freight operations. The company offers a competitive salary and growth opportunities within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a key account management role in ocean freight.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight operations, including shipping terms and customs clearance.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage key ocean freight accounts, ensuring satisfaction and service excellence.
• Identify growth opportunities through upselling and cross-selling services.
• Collaborate with internal teams to monitor shipment performance.
• Coordinate with operations, pricing and procurement to ensure service delivery.
• Prepare regular KPI and revenue reports on account performance.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to keep services competitive.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Account management

CargoWise FMS

MS Office

Education

Industry certifications (e.g., FIATA, IATA)

Tools

Cargo wise FMS

MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

About the job Key Account Manager - Ocean Freight

Reports to: Director of Key Accounts

Department: Sales / Key Account Management

Freight Force Recruitment Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this permanent vacancy.

The Company

Freight Force are working in partnership with a leading provider of global logistics solutions, offering end-to-end services for supply chain optimisation. Specialising in freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution, with a strong focus on delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions to our clients. The company are partnered with businesses to streamline their global shipping needs. Their team provides innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the dynamic demands of the international shipping industry and our commitment to excellence in customer service and operational efficiency positioning them trusted partner in international trade.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Key Account Manager specialising in ocean freight to join an expanding sales team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing key client relationships within the ocean freight sector, ensuring the highest levels of service and satisfaction. You will work closely with internal teams to provide tailored logistics solutions that meet clients' needs while maximising revenue opportunities.

This role requires an individual with excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the ocean freight industry, and a proven track record in account management and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Account Management:
• Serve as the main point of contact for key ocean freight accounts, developing and maintaining long‑term relationships.
• Understand clients' business objectives and provide strategic logistics solutions that align with their needs.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and address issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Business Development:
• Identify opportunities for expanding services with existing clients, driving account growth through upselling and cross‑selling additional services.
• Develop and implement account‑specific strategies to increase revenue, improve service delivery, and enhance customer loyalty.
• Lead negotiations on ocean freight contracts, including rates, terms, and conditions, ensuring competitive pricing and service offerings.
• Work with the pricing and procurement teams to ensure profitability while maintaining client satisfaction.
• Operations Coordination:
• Collaborate with internal teams, including operations, customer service, and logistics, to ensure timely and efficient execution of ocean freight shipments.
• Monitor shipment performance and resolve any operational issues to maintain smooth service delivery.
• Reporting & Analysis:
• Prepare and deliver regular reports on account performance, including KPIs, shipping volumes, revenue, and profitability.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activity to ensure that services are competitive and aligned with market demand.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in the ocean freight and logistics sectors.
• Provide insights and recommendations to clients on optimising their supply chains and reducing shipping costs.

Key Requirements:

• Experience:
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a key account management role, specifically within the ocean freight/logistics industry.
• Strong understanding of ocean freight operations, including shipping terms (Incoterms), vessel scheduling, port operations, and customs clearance.
• Skills:
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of client organisations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision‑making.
• Ability to manage multiple high‑value accounts and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in Cargo wise FMS and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Qualifications:
• Industry certifications (e.g., FIATA, IATA, etc.) are a plus.
• Personal Attributes:
• Strong customer orientation with a focus on delivering exceptional service.
• Self‑motivated, driven by results, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.

Why join this company?

• Growth Opportunities: The company are committed to the professional development of our employees and offer continuous training and career progression.
• Competitive Salary: Attractive salary and commission structure based on performance.
• Innovative Environment: Work with a team that values creativity, innovation, and forward‑thinking solutions in global logistics.