Trade Manager

Metro; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics firm in Birmingham is seeking a customer-focused Trade Manager to join their team. This role involves driving strategic partnerships, managing pricing strategies, and overseeing operational routing to enhance profitability. A strong background in Ocean freight, excellent communication skills, and a proactive mindset are essential. Join a company that values innovation and offers career mobility, wellness perks, and a supportive culture.

Benefits

Discretionary bi-annual bonus

Health & wellness perks

Health cash plan

Octopus EV car scheme

Free parking

Training & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in logistics and operational knowledge of Ocean freight.
• Ability to influence profitability through effective pricing.
• High-quality service delivery at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic partnerships with customers and suppliers.
• Manage carrier negotiations and pricing structures.
• Develop operational routing strategies to optimise trade flows.

Skills

Industry knowledge of Ocean freight

Strong numerical and commercial acumen

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Proactive, team-oriented mindset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cargowise

Job description

Join Metro – Where Innovation Meets Logistics Excellence

At Metro, we don’t just move freight - we move boundaries. Powered by cutting‑edge technology and driven by passionate people, we deliver world‑class import/export solutions across air, ocean, and road freight, as well as supply chain management and specialist services in retail, manufacturing, automotive and chemical sectors amongst others.

We’re looking for a customer‑focused Trade Manager to join our high‑performing team based at our Birmingham Business Park HQ.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, love solving problems, and want to be part of a company that values innovation and growth – this is your next career move.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a key leader within our Trade & Commercial team, you will drive strategic partnerships with customers, carriers, and suppliers, leveraging your expertise to negotiate competitive agreements and shape pricing strategies that maximize profitability and market share. Your role will include:

• Lead strategic procurement initiatives across RFQs, long‑term rate agreements, and pricing frameworks to secure competitive positioning and profitability.
• Own carrier negotiations and relationship management, building strategic partnerships that deliver long‑term value and align with business objectives.
• Define and maintain the company’s pricing structure, ensuring consistency and market competitiveness across all trade lanes.
• Develop and implement operational routing strategies aligned with commercial objectives, optimising trade flows and cost efficiency.
• Provide operational teams with clear carrier options and routing guidance, enabling efficient and cost‑effective bookings.
• Support Key Account Directors (KAD) and Key Account Managers (KAM) with tailored trade solutions and actionable commercial insights.
• Ensure compliance with company pricing guidelines, maintaining accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
• Strengthen supplier and carrier partnerships through high‑level negotiations, fostering collaboration and long‑term value creation.
• Enhance organisational capacity and resilience to support future growth and market leadership following recent team changes.
• Champion continuous improvement by leveraging data insights and market intelligence to refine procurement processes and drive margin improvement.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced, but passionate about logistics. You’ll need:

• Industry and operational knowledge of Ocean freight - inbound, outbound, and cross trade.
• An understanding of how to influence the profitability through effective pricing is preferred.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality service at a senior level
• A sharp eye for detail and understanding of its commercial impact.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. Experience communicating with external stakeholders and suppliers is preferred
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and Windows systems (Cargowise experience is a plus).
• A proactive, team‑oriented mindset with great time management.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and self‑motivation.

Why Metro?

We believe in rewarding our people. Here’s a selection of what you’ll enjoy:

• Discretionary bi‑annual bonus – because your success drives ours.
• Health & wellness perks – including gym discounts, retail offers, and more.
• Health cash plan – supporting your wellbeing.
• Octopus EV car scheme – drive electric, drive smart.
• Free parking – no stress, no cost.
• Respectful, inclusive culture – where your voice matters.
• Training & development – grow with us, every step of the way.

Plus, You’ll Enjoy:

• Career Mobility & Growth – We actively promote from within and offer clear pathways to progress into senior roles or explore other departments.
• Cross‑Training Opportunities – Expand your skillset by working across different freight modes and supply chain functions.
• Fast‑Paced, High‑Impact Work – Be part of a team that thrives on energy, agility, and delivering results under pressure.
• Make a Global Impact – Help major international brands deliver on time, every time - your work keeps global supply chains moving.
• Tech‑Driven Efficiency – Work with industry‑leading systems like Cargowise and MVT to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks.