Lead Sea Freight & Complex Cargo Operations

White Recruitment Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment Limited seeks an experienced Freight Forwarding Team Leader to manage a busy Southampton export operation. You will lead a team of 7, stay hands-on with complex shipments, and act as the link between the Operations Manager and the team.

The role emphasizes leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in export forwarding, including break bulk, OOG projects, and yacht cargo. Strong problem-solving and customer communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding and export operations.
• Experience leading an operational team.
• Exposure to break bulk, project cargo and/or out-of-gauge shipments.
• Ability to manage complex shipments from enquiry to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and oversee a team of 7 operational staff.
• Act as the day-to-day link between the Operations Manager and the team.
• Remain hands-on with export shipments management and coordination.
• Manage complex shipments from enquiry to delivery and bookings.
• Prepare shipment estimates and convert enquiries into bookings.
• Coordinate specialist cargo movements (shipping, cradling, wrapping, insurance, customs).
• Communicate proactively with customers throughout shipments and resolve issues.

Skills

Team leadership

Export operations

Freight forwarding

Customer communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Job description

White Recruitment Limited seeks an experienced Freight Forwarding Team Leader to manage a busy Southampton export operation. You will lead a team of 7, stay hands-on with complex shipments, and act as the link between the Operations Manager and the team.

The role emphasizes leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in export forwarding, including break bulk, OOG projects, and yacht cargo. Strong problem-solving and customer communication skills are essential.