Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

JR United Kingdom; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading US-based freight forwarding client seeks a strategically minded Managing Director to establish their first UK office, focusing on ocean freight. This role involves significant business development and team-building responsibilities, providing a unique opportunity to influence the company's presence during a phase of global expansion.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, particularly ocean freight.
• Proven commercial success in developing markets and driving revenue.
• Deep knowledge of the UK logistics sector is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility.
• Build high-performing teams and develop market entry strategy.
• Ensure compliance with logistics regulations and contribute to European growth.

Skills

Leadership in freight forwarding

Market development

Relationship building

Knowledge of UK logistics sector

Entrepreneurial mindset

Autonomous working style

Job description

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Job Details

• Client: [Client details not provided]
• Location: UK – Flexible (Any major logistics hub: London, Felixstowe, Southampton, Manchester, Birmingham, etc.)
• Job Category: Other
• EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views and Dates

• Views: 1
• Posted: 06.06.2025
• Expiry Date: 21.07.2025

Job Description

Important: This is a commercial role. You will be expected to sell while establishing the branch. Candidates must have a proven track record of achieving at least £500K in annual gross profit. The focus is on ocean imports from Asia.

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

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 strategically minded Managing Director to establish and lead their first UK office. You may join as an individual or with a team of operators.

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

The role will focus heavily on ocean freight, with the freedom to build a team and operation that meets local and global market needs.

Key Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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