UK Operations Director

Newman Stewart Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics and supply chain company is seeking an Operations Director to lead its freight and logistics operations. The successful candidate will oversee end-to-end operations, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and drive performance across teams. Experience in transport operations and leadership in fast-paced environments is essential for this high-impact role, offering a competitive salary and benefits based in East Midlands.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Benefits dependent upon experience

Qualifications

• Significant experience in freight, logistics, or transport operations.
• Knowledge of international freight flows and customs processes.
• Track record of operational improvement and team development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end operations including freight forwarding and customs clearance.
• Lead operational teams to drive performance and customer service.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate with finance, sales, and HR.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Performance

Cost Efficiency

Customer Service

Job description

Overview

Operations Director – Competitive Salary + Benefits (Dependent upon experience) – East Midlands Based

Our Client: A long-established organisation in the logistics and supply chain sector is seeking a commercially focused and operationally strong Operations Director to lead its freight and logistics operations. With strong reputation for service excellence, the company supports a wide range of clients through its national distribution infrastructure and global freight forwarding capabilities.

Role and Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end operations including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and domestic transport.
• Lead high-performing operational teams, driving operational performance, cost efficiency, and excellent customer service.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, sales, and HR.
• Support innovation, technology adoption, and infrastructure development in line with company growth plans.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience in freight, logistics, or transport operations.
• Knowledge of international freight flows, UK/Ireland customs processes, and regulated environments.
• Confident and engaging leadership with a track record of delivering operational improvement, financial performance, and team development in fast-paced commercial settings.

To Apply

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced operations leader to shape the future of a respected and growing logistics business. Interested candidates are invited to apply accordingly or contact Mike Pritchard-Howarth in the first instance for a confidential discussion. Contact details can be found on the Newman Stewart website.

About Us

Newman Stewart is a boutique executive search firm, delivering high-performing candidates to high-profile and mission-critical assignments. With a proven track record of success globally, we are the recruitment partner of choice to many blue chip, medium and small organisations, providing Executive Search, Management Selection and Psychometric Assessment Services to its clients.