Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

JR United Kingdom; Leeds; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A US-based client seeks a commercially driven Managing Director for their first UK office in freight forwarding. This role includes establishing operations and a team focusing on ocean freight imports from Asia, offering a competitive salary and potential shares during global expansion.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight.
• Proven success in market development and revenue growth.
• Experience launching or scaling regional offices is desirable.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership experience in freight forwarding

Business development

Market development

Revenue growth

Knowledge of UK logistics sector

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

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Managing Director - Freight Forwarding, Leeds, West Yorkshire

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Client:

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

1

Posted:

06.06.2025

Expiry Date:

21.07.2025

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Job Description:

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

Job Title: Managing Director (Freight Forwarding with a focus on Ocean Freight)

Location: UK – Flexible (Major logistics hubs such as 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 Managing Director to establish and lead their first UK office. Bringing a team is preferable. The company has offices in the US, Asia, and Germany, with plans for additional offices in Belgium and the Netherlands, making this a unique opportunity to shape their UK presence during global expansion.

The role will focus on ocean freight, with the freedom to build a team and operations to meet local and global market needs.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Requirements:

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