Operations Manager

WR Logistics; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

WR Logistics in Wythenshawe, Manchester, is seeking an experienced Freight Forwarding Operations Manager to own day-to-day operations and lead the operations team on-site.

This hands-on role requires strong multimodal know-how (sea and air), UK customs procedures, and the ability to work closely with commercial teams to improve processes, efficiency and customer service.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding operations.
• Strong multimodal background (sea/air).
• Good knowledge of customs declarations and compliance.
• Willing to be hands-on and support the team.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day freight forwarding operations function.
• Provide hands-on support, guidance and leadership to the operations team.
• Work closely with commercial and customer-facing teams to ensure operational requirements are delivered effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and service levels.
• Help resolve operational issues and customer queries quickly and effectively.
• Ensure shipments are managed accurately and efficiently from start to finish.
• Maintain high standards of compliance across all operational activity.
• Support the team with customs declarations and ensure processes are followed correctly.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.
• Act as a key point of escalation for complex operational and customer issues.

Skills

Freight forwarding operations

Multimodal (sea/air)

Customs declarations

Leadership / hands-on management

Process improvement

Job description

Position: Freight Forwarding Operations Manager

Location: Wythenshawe, Manchester

Salary: Up to £45,000 - negotiable depending on experience

Working: On-site Monday to Friday 9:00am - 17:00pm

The Role

We're working with a global freight forwarding business that is looking to appoint an experienced Freight Forwarding Operations Manager to take ownership of its day-to-day operational activity in Wythenshawe.

This is a hands-on management role for someone who enjoys being close to the operation rather than simply managing from a distance. You'll take control of the daily operations function, providing practical support and direction to the operations team while also working closely with the commercial team to improve processes, operational efficiency and overall customer service.

The business is looking for someone who can bring structure, accountability and operational expertise, while still being willing to get involved when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day freight forwarding operations function.
• Provide hands‑on support, guidance and leadership to the operations team.
• Work closely with commercial and customer‑facing teams to ensure operational requirements are delivered effectively.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency and service levels.
• Help resolve operational issues and customer queries quickly and effectively.
• Ensure shipments are managed accurately and efficiently from start to finish.
• Maintain high standards of compliance across all operational activity.
• Support the team with customs declarations and ensure processes are followed correctly.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.
• Act as a key point of escalation for complex operational and customer issues.

About You

We're looking for an experienced freight forwarding professional with a strong multimodal operations background, particularly across sea and air freight.

You'll need to be comfortable managing the full operational process and have a good understanding of UK customs procedures and customs declarations. Just as importantly, you'll be someone who is happy to get involved, support the team and make things happen rather than simply delegate.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong experience within freight forwarding operations.
• A solid multimodal background, particularly sea and air freight.
• Good knowledge of customs declarations and compliance processes.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £45,000, negotiable depending on experience.
• The opportunity to join an established global freight forwarding business.
• A key role with genuine responsibility for the operational function.
• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on processes, efficiency and customer service.
• A hands‑on management position with strong exposure to both operations and commercial teams.