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- Tasks: Lead multimodal freight forwarding operations for imports and exports.
- Company: Join a well-established SME freight forwarder in Sunbury-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, progression opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of a respected logistics business.
- Qualifications: 7+ years of freight forwarding experience with strong multimodal knowledge required.
- Other info: Opportunity for leadership or shareholding roles for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Multimodal Freight Forwarder – Import & Export
Location: Sunbury-on-Thames
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Progression: Succession Opportunity
A well-established SME freight forwarder in Sunbury is seeking a highly experienced and commercially aware freight professional to step into a senior-level import and export operations role. With the owners preparing to gradually step back from the day-to-day, this role offers a genuine opportunity to become a key successor within the business.
The Role:
You will take full operational ownership of multimodal freight forwarding activities across both import and export, managing a diverse customer base and a variety of cargo types. You’ll be the go-to expert internally, working closely with the directors, leading the small operations team, and ensuring exceptional service delivery from booking through to final mile.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage full-cycle import and export shipments across air, road, and sea freight
- Coordinate with carriers, 3PL partners, and clients to ensure seamless movement of goods
- Oversee customs processes, documentation, and compliance
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers
- Provide leadership, training, and direction to junior team members
- Work alongside the owners on strategic business direction and operational improvements
Candidate Profile:
- Minimum 7 years of hands-on freight forwarding experience, ideally within an SME
- Broad multimodal knowledge covering air, road, and sea freight
- Strong background in working with or managing 3PL services
- Commercially minded, with ambition to step into a leadership or succession role
- Adaptable, solutions-focused, and confident managing end-to-end operations
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
What’s on Offer:
- A varied, senior-level forwarding role with full operational responsibility
- The opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future of the business
- Close working relationship with the directors during the transition phase
- Long-term progression potential, including leadership or shareholding opportunities for the right person
- A supportive, down-to-earth team environment
If you’re a senior freight forwarder ready to take the next step and help shape the future of an independent and respected logistics business, I’d love to hear from you.
Senior Multimodal Freight Forwarder - Import & Export employer: ALS Recruiting Ltd
Contact Detail:
ALS Recruiting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Multimodal Freight Forwarder - Import & Export
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the freight forwarding community. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insider information about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience. Since this role involves managing a team and working closely with directors, be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills. In the logistics industry, challenges arise frequently. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex situations in your previous roles, highlighting your adaptability and solutions-focused mindset.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Multimodal Freight Forwarder - Import & Export
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in freight forwarding, particularly in import and export operations. Emphasise your multimodal knowledge and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial awareness and ambition to step into a leadership role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed end-to-end operations and built strong relationships with clients.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your hands-on experience with air, road, and sea freight. Discuss your familiarity with customs processes and compliance, as well as any experience working with 3PL services.
Showcase Leadership Skills: If you have experience training or leading teams, make sure to include this in your application. The company is looking for someone who can provide direction and support to junior team members.
How to prepare for a job interview at ALS Recruiting Ltd
✨Showcase Your Multimodal Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in managing air, road, and sea freight. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully handled multimodal shipments and the challenges you faced.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small operations team, be ready to share your experiences in mentoring or training junior team members. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivate others to achieve exceptional service delivery.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Building strong relationships with customers and suppliers is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed client relationships in the past and any strategies you use to maintain these connections.
✨Be Commercially Aware
As the company is looking for someone commercially minded, come prepared with insights on market trends in freight forwarding. Discuss how you can contribute to the strategic direction of the business and any ideas you have for operational improvements.
