Ocean Freight Ops Manager - Lead, Profit & Performance

DHL Global Forwarding; Southampton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme with life assurance

Employee wellbeing programme

Discounts and benefits package

Internal promotion opportunities

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking an Ocean Freight Operations Manager in the UK to lead a dedicated team and optimise end-to-end ocean freight activities. You will drive performance, ensure profitability, and partner with customers and carriers to secure best rates.

Reporting to the Head of Reefer and Bulk, you will implement strategic initiatives, manage KPIs, and foster continuous improvement across the department in a fast-paced logistics environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team in global forwarding operations.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and logistics principals.
• Ability to achieve KPI targets and drive performance.
• Commercial awareness and financial understanding.
• Experience in managing Ocean Freight operations.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the division and its departments, including full OFR responsibility and P&L.
• Lead and coach the OFR teams to deliver key results and customer service excellence.
• Drive culture change through DGF commitments and branch strategy.
• Ensure end-to-end profitability and optimization of import/export processes.
• Negotiate with customers on rates, volume trends, and logistics terms.
• Develop relationships with customers and service providers to secure best rates.

Skills

Team leadership

Supply chain knowledge

KPI management

Commercial awareness

Management experience

People development

P&L understanding

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Job description

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking an Ocean Freight Operations Manager in the UK to lead a dedicated team and optimise end-to-end ocean freight activities. You will drive performance, ensure profitability, and partner with customers and carriers to secure best rates.

Reporting to the Head of Reefer and Bulk, you will implement strategic initiatives, manage KPIs, and foster continuous improvement across the department in a fast-paced logistics environment.