Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

JR United Kingdom; Stockport; Hybrid; GBP 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A US-based freight forwarding client is seeking a commercially driven Managing Director to establish their first UK office, focusing on ocean freight from Asia. The role includes launching the office, leading a team, and driving market growth, with a competitive salary up to £200K plus commission.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight.
• Contacts with SMEs to build profit quickly.
• Deep knowledge of UK logistics and trade corridors.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Strategic Planning

Market Development

Relationship Building

Regulatory Compliance

Job description

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Client:

Location:

Stockport, 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 should have a track record of achieving at least £500K in annual gross profit, with the ability to bring business. 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: 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, strategic 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, offering a unique opportunity to shape the UK presence during global expansion.

The role emphasizes ocean freight, with freedom to build a team and operation to meet local and global needs.

Key Responsibilities:

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

Requirements:

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