Ocean Freight Commercial Manager

WR Logistics; West End; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company based in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Ocean Product Manager to spearhead the Ocean Export product. This senior role requires strong leadership skills, operational oversight, and a focus on business development. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in ocean freight and 3 years in team management. The successful applicant will oversee operations while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and revenue growth. A competitive package is offered, with mean earnings up to £80,000 and opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Opportunities for career growth

Exposure to a global logistics network

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in ocean freight or global logistics.
• Minimum 3 years' team management experience.
• Strong understanding of ocean export processes and the logistics market.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor your team, supporting career development.
• Oversee operations to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Drive business development and revenue growth.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Emotional intelligence

Communication skills

Education

University degree or equivalent business qualification

Job description

Ocean Product Manager - Logistics

Location: Southampton (with travel to customer sites and head office in Heathrow)

Package: Competitive, with mean earnings up to £80,000

Hours: Monday - Friday

We are recruiting an experienced Ocean Product Manager to lead and develop the Ocean Export product within a dynamic logistics operation. This is a senior role, combining people leadership, operational oversight, and business development, making it ideal for an ambitious professional with strong industry experience.

Why This Role Matters

• Lead and mentor your team, supporting career development and succession planning
• Oversee operations, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and service excellence
• Drive business development and revenue growth in line with district objectives
• Contribute to strategic planning and maintain strong customer and vendor relationships

Key Responsibilities

People & Leadership

• Develop, mentor, and support team members, including identifying your #2
• Conduct regular appraisals, set clear expectations, and implement development plans
• Plan and lead department meetings, goal setting, and performance monitoring
• Ensure staff complete ongoing training and development programs

Operations & Process

• Manage day-to-day Ocean Export operations, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Maintain accurate processes, SOPs, and KPIs
• Monitor productivity, revenue-to-expense ratio, and other operational metrics
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships and evaluate performance

Customer & Business Development

• Maintain personal involvement with top customers and participate in retention activities
• Support sales teams with product knowledge and technical expertise
• Respond to RFQs, proposals, and quotations with market-competitive pricing
• Drive new business onboarding and manage customer transitions

Financial Oversight

• Assist with departmental budgeting and review P&L performance
• Monitor revenue, freight yields, and accounts receivable
• Control expenses and ensure contracts follow company procedures

Culture & Compliance

• Promote a positive team culture and lead by example
• Ensure all internal and external compliance standards are met
• Encourage innovation, system enhancements, and process improvements

Skills & Experience Required

• University degree or equivalent business qualification
• Minimum 7 years' experience in ocean freight or global logistics
• Minimum 3 years' team management experience
• Strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and change management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrable experience in operational excellence, P&L oversight, and business development
• Strong understanding of ocean export processes and the logistics market
• Fluent in English

What We're Looking For

• A strategic, results-driven leader with a focus on operational and financial excellence
• Exceptional at building relationships internally and externally
• Able to drive business growth while managing a high-performing team
• Organized, reliable, and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving

What's On Offer

• Competitive package with mean earnings up to £80,000
• Office-based Monday - Friday with travel to customer sites and head office
• Opportunity to lead a high-performing team and influence operational strategy
• Exposure to a broad, global logistics network and key industry accounts

If you are a senior Ocean Export professional with proven leadership experience and a track record of driving operational excellence and business growth, this is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your career.