Managing Director - Freight Forwarding

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

Job summary

A prominent US-based freight forwarding company is seeking a dynamic and strategic Managing Director to establish their first UK office. This role involves launching operations, driving business development in ocean freight, and building a high-performing team within the UK logistics sector during a critical phase of global expansion.

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.
• Drive business development and build a high-performing team.
• Develop and execute the UK market entry strategy.

Skills

Commercial success

Leadership

Business development

Strategic planning

Ocean freight expertise

Job description

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Client:

Location:

worcester, 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 experience in ocean imports from Asia.

Job Title: Managing Director (freight forwarding focusing 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 company 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 established offices in the US, Asia, and Germany, with plans to expand further into Belgium and the Netherlands. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the UK presence during a key phase of global expansion.

The focus will be on ocean freight, with the flexibility to build a team and operational structure to meet local and global market needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Launch and lead the UK office with full P&L responsibility
• Drive business development and build a high-performing 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 broader European growth as a strategic partner

Requirements

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