Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

JR United Kingdom; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading US-based freight forwarding company is looking for a Managing Director to establish and lead their first UK office, focusing on ocean imports from Asia. This strategic role involves building a high-performing team and executing market entry strategies while ensuring compliance with logistics regulations. Candidates should have senior leadership experience in freight forwarding and a strong network in the UK logistics sector.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight.
• Deep knowledge of the UK logistics sector and trade routes.
• Proven success in market development and revenue growth.

Responsibilities

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility.
• Drive business development and build a high-performing team.
• Develop and execute the UK market entry strategy.

Skills

Business Development

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Logistics Knowledge

Relationship Building

Job description

Note: This job description is already well-structured and detailed. Minor formatting adjustments can improve readability, but the core content is comprehensive and relevant. Here is a slightly refined version:

Social network login/join:

col-narrow-left

Client:

Location:

Belfast, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

-

EU work permit required:

Yes

col-narrow-right

Job Views:

1

Posted:

06.06.2025

Expiry Date:

21.07.2025

col-wide

Job Description:

Important: This is a commercial role. You will be expected to sell while establishing the branch. If you haven't achieved at least £500K in annual gross profit, our client will not consider your application. Confidence in bringing business is essential. The focus is on ocean imports from Asia.

Job Title: Managing Director (freight forwarding with a focus on ocean freight)

Location: UK – Flexible (any major logistics hub: London, Felixstowe, Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.)

Salary: Up to £200K + commission and potential shares in the UK business

About the Role:

A US-based freight forwarding client seeks a commercially driven and strategic Managing Director to establish and lead their first UK office. You may join as an individual or with a team of operators to support your business.

The company has offices in the US, Asia, and Germany, with plans to open three more by year-end, including in Belgium and possibly the Netherlands. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the UK presence during a key phase of global expansion.

The focus will be on ocean freight, with the freedom to build a team and operations aligned with local and global markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility
• Drive business development and build a high-performing team
• Develop and execute the UK market entry strategy, focusing on ocean freight growth
• Build strong relationships with shipping lines, clients, and supply chain partners
• Ensure compliance with UK and international logistics regulations
• Contribute to European growth as a strategic partner to international leadership

Requirements:

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight
• Contacts with SMEs and a plan for quick profit realization
• Proven success in market development and revenue growth
• Experience launching or scaling regional offices is a plus
• Deep knowledge of UK logistics sector and trade routes
• Entrepreneurial, autonomous, and hands-on mindset
• Willingness to travel and collaborate across Europe, Asia, and the US