Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

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

Job summary

A leading logistics company seeks a strategic Managing Director to establish their first UK office, focusing on ocean freight. The role entails full P&L responsibility, developing market strategies, and building a high-performing team. This position offers a competitive salary, commissions, and potential shares, rewarding entrepreneurial candidates with a proven commercial track record.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight.
• Experience in launching or scaling regional offices.
• Deep knowledge of UK logistics sector and trade routes.

Responsibilities

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility.
• Develop and implement a market entry strategy targeting growth in ocean freight.
• Build strong relationships with shipping lines, clients, and supply chain partners.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Strategic Planning

Market Development

Relationship Building

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Job description

Important: This is a commercial role. You will be expected to sell while establishing the branch. Candidates should 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)

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 and strategic Managing Director to establish and lead their first UK office. Preferably, you will bring a team of operators to support your business.

With established offices in the US, Asia, and Germany, and plans to open additional offices in Belgium and the Netherlands, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's UK presence during a key phase of global expansion.

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

Key Responsibilities

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility
• Lead business development efforts in the UK and build a high-performing commercial and operational team
• Develop and implement a market entry strategy targeting 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 international leadership

Requirements

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