Strategic Account Manager – Freight Forwarding

SDW Recruitment Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics provider in Southampton is seeking a freight forwarding professional focused on building strong client relationships. This role involves managing an existing portfolio without the stress of new business development. Key responsibilities include client engagement, rate management, and performance monitoring. The ideal candidate will have experience in logistics, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in data management using MS Office. A full UK driving licence is essential. A competitive salary package and various benefits are offered.

Benefits

25 days holiday + Enhanced family leave

Private Medical Cover

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Pension scheme

Discretionary bonus scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Previous experience in freight forwarding or logistics is essential.
• A natural communicator who builds trust quickly.
• Comfortable working with data, rates, and administration.
• Proactive approach to resolving queries.
• Confident using MS Office and managing data.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong connections with customers.
• Update rate sheets and tariffs for profitable decisions.
• Track KPIs to ensure we meet customer expectations.
• Collaborate with operations for smooth service delivery.
• Produce reports and review customer data.
• Attend customer visits to keep relationships active.

Skills

Industry Experience

Communication

Commercial Awareness

Problem Solving

Technical Skills

Mobility

Tools

MS Office

Job description

A leading logistics provider is looking for a relationship-focused freight forwarding professional who thrives on nurturing partnerships rather than chasing new targets. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of an existing portfolio, ensuring excellent service and sustainable growth without the stress of “hunting” for business.

Join a respected global logistics business in Southampton where the team is friendly, supportive, and committed to delivering the best for every client.

Role Impact

In this role, you will be the bridge between our operations and our customers. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you will take charge of newly won clients and become their trusted day‑to‑day contact. Your impact will be measured by client retention and satisfaction. You will combine commercial awareness with a personal touch, solving problems, managing rates, and identifying opportunities to add value to established relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong connections with customers at all levels, acting as their primary advocate within the business.
• Commercial Ownership: Update rate sheets and tariffs, ensuring commercial decisions are smart and profitable.
• Performance Monitoring: Track KPIs and customer deliverables to ensure we are always meeting expectations.
• Operational Liaison: Collaborate daily with the operations team to ensure smooth service delivery and quick problem resolution.
• Analysis & Reporting: Produce reports, review customer data, and support with debtor management.
• Engagement: Attend customer visits and internal meetings to keep relationships active and healthy.

Skills and Experience

• Industry Experience: Previous experience in freight forwarding or logistics is essential to understand the unique needs of our clients.
• Communication: A natural communicator who builds trust quickly and enjoys interacting with people.
• Commercial Awareness: Comfortable working with data, rates, and administration while keeping an eye on the bigger commercial picture.
• Problem Solving: A proactive approach to resolving queries and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Technical Skills: Confident using MS Office and managing data.
• Mobility: A full UK driving licence is required for client visits.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive salary package.
• Leave: 25 days holiday + Enhanced family leave.
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Cover, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and Eye Tests.
• Financial Security: Pension scheme and Death in Service (4x salary).
• Bonuses: Discretionary bonus scheme and Christmas thank-you vouchers.
• Lifestyle: Cycle to Work Scheme and Free Parking.
• Flexibility: Office-based role with potential for hybrid working.

How to Apply

If you are ready to move away from either day‑to‑day operations or new business development and focus on what you do best—building great relationships—we want to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and we will be in contact to discuss your application. Confidentiality guaranteed.