Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

JR United Kingdom; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A US-based freight forwarding company seeks a strategic Managing Director to lead their first UK office. The candidate will require senior leadership experience in freight forwarding and a strong focus on ocean freight, with responsibilities including business development and team leadership. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the company's UK strategy during global expansion.

Benefits

Commission on sales

Potential shares in the business

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in freight forwarding, especially ocean freight.
• Proven commercial success in market development and revenue growth.
• Deep knowledge of UK logistics sector 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 and implement the UK market entry strategy for ocean freight.

Skills

Leadership

Business Development

Strategic Planning

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Market Development

Job description

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Client:

Location:

Woking, 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. The focus is on ocean imports from Asia.

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

Location: UK – Flexible (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.

The company has offices in the US, Asia, and Germany, with plans to open additional locations including Belgium and Netherlands. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the UK presence during global expansion.

The role focuses on ocean freight, with the freedom to build a team and operations to meet market needs.

Key Responsibilities

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

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 in launching or scaling regional offices is desirable
• Deep knowledge of UK logistics sector and trade corridors
• Entrepreneurial, autonomous, and hands-on mindset
• Willingness to travel and collaborate internationally