Freight Forwarding Branch Manager

Private Advertiser; Penang; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser in Malaysia seeks a Branch Manager to drive performance across operations, finance and business development. You will align branch activities with corporate objectives and lead a team to deliver service excellence.

Responsibilities include end-to-end airfreight management, budgeting, reporting, and developing strategic plans to grow revenue while maintaining compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of a branch or regional operation.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
• Extensive experience in airfreight forwarding and logistics.
• Ability to develop business plans and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee branch P&L including revenue, gross profit and costs.
• Manage end-to-end airfreight operations including bookings, documentation and customs clearance.
• Monitor KPIs and prepare monthly performance reports.
• Develop branch business plans and pursue new opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with customs, aviation security and safety standards.
• Lead recruitment, performance reviews and staff development.

Skills

Branch management experience

Airfreight operations knowledge

Financial acumen

Strategic planning

Job description

A. Branch Management & Business Performance

Oversee the overall management and performance of the branch, ensuring alignment with the company's business objectives, strategies and operational standards.

Develop and implement branch business plans, strategies and action plans to achieve revenue, profitability and growth targets.

Take ownership of the branch's Profit and Loss (P&L), including revenue generation, gross profit, operating expenses and cost management.

Monitor branch financial performance against approved budgets and identify areas for improvement or corrective action.

Prepare and submit periodic branch performance reports, business updates and operational forecasts to Management.

Identify business opportunities, market developments and potential risks that may impact the branch's performance.

Ensure effective utilisation of manpower, resources and operational facilities to maximise productivity and efficiency.

B. Airfreight Operations Management

Oversee end-to-end airfreight forwarding operations, covering both import and export shipments, ensuring timely and efficient cargo movement.

Ensure proper coordination of airfreight bookings, cargo collection, documentation, customs clearance, airline arrangements and final delivery.

Monitor shipment schedules, flight arrangements, cargo cut-off times and delivery commitments to ensure service standards are consistently maintained.

Oversee the preparation and accuracy of shipping documentation, including Air Waybills (AWB), manifests, commercial invoices, packing lists and other relevant shipping documents.

Maintain effective working relationships with airlines, ground handling agents, overseas agents, customs brokers, transporters and other logistics partners.

Monitor airfreight rates, airline capacity, space availability and market conditions to ensure competitive pricing and operational efficiency.

Ensure proper handling of special cargo, including Dangerous Goods (DG), temperature-sensitive cargo, valuable cargo and other specialised shipments, where applicable.

Resolve operational bottlenecks, shipment delays, cargo discrepancies, claims and customer service escalations promptly.

Ensure compliance with applicable customs regulations, aviation security requirements, trade compliance standards and relevant industry requirements.

C. Business Development & Customer Relationship Management

Drive business development initiatives to expand the branch's customer portfolio and increase airfreight revenue.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities through customer visits, networking, market intelligence and strategic sales initiatives.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers to improve customer retention and business volume.

Work closely with the Sales team to identify prospective customers, prepare quotations, negotiate rates and secure new business.

Review customer profitability, pricing structures and business arrangements to ensure sustainable margins.

Monitor customer service performance and address complaints, service issues and escalations professionally.

Explore opportunities to expand the branch's service offerings, including integrated logistics solutions and other freight forwarding services where commercially viable.

Monitor and control branch operating expenses to ensure compliance with the approved budget.

Review branch revenue, gross profit margins and shipment profitability to ensure financial targets are achieved.

Ensure proper monitoring of freight charges, airline costs, agent charges, transportation costs and other operational expenses.

Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure timely invoicing, accurate cost declarations, proper billing and collection follow-ups.

Monitor outstanding customer accounts and support the Finance Department in managing overdue payments and credit exposure.

Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality and operational standards.

Ensure appropriate controls are in place to minimise financial losses, operational errors and unnecessary expenditure.

Lead, manage and supervise branch employees to ensure effective manpower utilisation and achievement of departmental objectives.

Establish clear roles, responsibilities and performance expectations for all employees under the branch.

Monitor employee performance, productivity, attendance and conduct, and provide regular feedback and coaching.

Conduct performance appraisals and identify training and development needs to strengthen employees' technical and professional competencies.

Build a collaborative, accountable and performance-driven working environment.

Identify manpower requirements and work with HR on recruitment, succession planning and workforce development.

Address employee performance and disciplinary matters in accordance with company policies and HR procedures.

Develop potential successors and strengthen the branch's overall leadership and operational capabilities.

Ensure branch operations comply with company policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and applicable Malaysian laws and regulations.

Ensure compliance with customs requirements, aviation security regulations, Dangerous Goods handling requirements and other relevant industry standards.

Establish appropriate internal controls to minimise operational risks, financial exposure, cargo losses and customer claims.

Ensure proper documentation, record-keeping and maintenance of operational and financial records.

Monitor operational incidents, customer complaints, claims and compliance issues, ensuring timely investigation and corrective action.

Ensure employees comply with workplace safety requirements and company policies.

Cooperate with internal and external audits, regulatory inspections and management reviews.

Immediately escalated significant operational, financial, legal or compliance risks to Management.

Prepare and submit monthly branch performance reports covering revenue, gross profit, shipment volume, customer performance and operating expenses.

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective measures where performance falls below expectations.

Review existing operational processes and recommend improvements to enhance productivity, service quality and cost efficiency.

Ensure proper utilisation of the company's freight forwarding systems, including CargoWise, for shipment processing, reporting and operational monitoring.

Work closely with Head Office and other branches to ensure consistency in operational standards, business practices and reporting requirements.

Undertake additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by Management from time to time.