Ocean Freight Commercial Manager

WR Logistics; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An international freight forwarding business is seeking an Ocean Freight Commercial Manager to drive operations and grow volumes. This senior role requires strong ocean freight expertise and operational knowledge of import/export processes. The successful candidate will lead a team and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure high-quality service delivery. The position is based in either London Heathrow or Southampton and offers a salary of up to £80,000, including bonus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Ocean Freight management or senior commercial/operational role.
• Strong operations knowledge across both import and export freight forwarding.
• Experience driving revenue and managing forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ocean operations for efficient service delivery.
• Grow ocean freight volumes through existing and new business opportunities.
• Provide operational expertise across import and export processes.

Skills

Ocean Freight Expertise

Operational Knowledge

Revenue Growth

Cross-functional Collaboration

Customer Focus

Job description

Ocean Freight Commercial Manager – Heathrow or Southampton

We are recruiting an Ocean Freight Commercial Manager for an exclusive and confidential role within a growing international freight forwarding business. This is a senior commercial and operational position, responsible for developing and managing ocean freight activity.

The successful candidate will bring strong ocean freight expertise, combined with solid operational knowledge across import and export processes, and the commercial acumen to grow volumes and revenue.

Salary: Up to £70,000–£80,000, including bonus

Location: London Heathrow or Southampton based

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ocean operations, ensuring efficient, compliant, and customer‑focused service delivery.
• Develop and grow ocean freight volumes through existing accounts and new business opportunities.
• Provide operational expertise across import and export processes, documentation, and compliance.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure seamless coordination between sales, operations, and customer service.
• Support commercial strategy, pricing, forecasting, and revenue growth.
• Build strong relationships with carriers, agents, and key customers.
• Report into the District / Regional Management.
• Maintain strict confidentiality due to the nature of the role.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in Ocean Freight (management or senior commercial/operational role).
• Strong operations knowledge across both import and export freight forwarding.
• Commercially minded, with experience driving revenue and managing forecasts.
• Confident working with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced forwarding environment.
• Capable of working independently and helping shape regional growth.

WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit in the UK & USA for permanent jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.