Ocean Freight Export Manager in Manchester

As an Ocean Freight Export Manager, you’ll manage, coach and drive performance of a team to achieve KPIs and a high level of customer service, as well as being directly responsible for the management of Manchester’s Ocean Freight Export Department ensuring a consistently excellent delivery of our Ocean Freight forwarding services including the core operations and full service management for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership and responsibility of the Export department and P&L.
• Implement DGF UK people processes consistently to ensure development and retention of talent (including Performance Reviews, IDPs, EOS, MTW, Succession Planning).
• Adhere to Customs Compliance procedures and documentation.
• Complete retrospective Customs compliance actions.
• Manage and build customer relationships.
• Ensure the Job File is fully and accurately completed reflecting all commercially relevant information and services provided.
• Ensure optimisation of end‑to‑end process in the Export Department.
• Responsibility for file‑level GP, cost allocation and operations control delivered through empowerment of your team.
• Liaise directly with Carriers and Handling Agents to resolve exceptions and discrepancies as they arise.
• Liaise with DGF departments on shipment planning and coordination.
• Liaise with DGF Transport & Warehouse teams on shipment planning and coordination.
• Liaise with overseas offices on shipment planning and coordination.
• Maintain and update DfT compliance.
• Maintain mandatory milestones and remarks through CargoWise (internal system).
• Manage allocated customers against agreed SOP.
• Use CargoWise to create, manage and maintain shipments.
• Any other duties as required.
• Update GCCS (internal complaints tool) with all required inputs including root cause and solution when assigned.
• Support the measurement of Key Performance Indicators.
• Contribute to the First Choice continuous improvement program.
• Complete all statutory and mandatory training.
• Deliver excellent customer service through our DGF’s 10 Customer Commitments.
• Support, drive and commit to the Company’s overall Strategy.
• Manage end‑to‑end process for OFR Exports and designated customers.
• Communicate with customers to meet their requirements.
• Administer and manage own operational data, including financial review.
• Support and monitor objectives set by the Ocean Freight Manager in terms of profitability maximisation, volume growth and service quality.
• Create, develop and maintain good relationships with customers and service providers.
• Support Sales in interaction with key customers.
• Support implementation of OFR strategy.
• Fully ensure compliance with varying countries requirements.
• Escalate when required to the Ocean Freight Manager.
• Ensure that all interactions are compliant with DPDHL Code of Conduct and other compliance requirements such as anti‑corruption.
• Contribute to the First Choice continuous improvement program.

Skills and Experience

• Proven exports experience with a good knowledge of Customer Service & Ocean Freight processes and systems.
• Ability to identify and meet customer service needs in a professional and friendly manner.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve KPI’s.
• Proven experience in Ocean Freight.
• Results‑driven with good attention to details.
• Good written and spoken English and excellent telephone and e‑mail skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Able to prioritise and perform under pressure.
• Good commercial attitude and commercial awareness.
• A level education or broad GCSE level education.
• Good financial understanding including P&L and decision‑making impacts.
• Understanding of Customs and related processes.

Benefits

• A competitive salary.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Pension scheme which includes life assurance.
• Access to professional employee assistance and wellbeing programme.
• A competitive package of voluntary benefits including retail, entertainment, gym membership, cycle‑to‑work scheme, contribution to eye‑care costs and many more discounts.
• Training and Development opportunities with a strong focus on internal promotion.

Hours / Shift Pattern

37.5 hours per week

Reports To Ocean Freight Manager

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