Ocean Freight Operations Manager in Southampton

DHL Global Forwarding (DGF) is part of the DHL Group, employing around 31,000 freight forwarding experts in more than 190 countries. We are specialists in Air, Ocean and Rail Freight, committed to helping our Forwarders realise their full potential.

Our Values

We are guided by our values: Passion, Entrepreneurship, Excellence and Teamwork. DHL Global Forwarding is recognised as a Top Employer and a Great Place to Work.

Role

As an Ocean Freight Operations Manager, you’ll manage, coach and drive performance of a team to achieve KPIs and a high level of customer service. You will be responsible for the management of the department ensuring excellent delivery of our Ocean Freight forwarding services.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership and responsibility of the division and its departments including full responsibility for the Ocean Freight team and P&L.
• Implement DGF UK people processes to ensure development and retention of talent.
• Manage and drive performance of OFR teams, providing leadership across areas of responsibility.
• Drive the implementation and culture change through DGF’s 10 Commitments.
• Direct and control activities to effectively manage end-to-end for OFR.
• Ensure optimisation of end-to-end process in the Import and Export Department.
• Review key trade lanes to identify improvements and opportunities.
• Re-negotiate with customers regarding rates and volume trends.
• Administer and manage operational data to ensure compliance and maximise profitability.
• Set and monitor objectives in terms of profitability maximisation and volume growth.
• Create and maintain good relationships with customers and service providers.
• Support Sales in interaction with key customers.
• Ensure the team understands and complies with the DGF 10 Ground Rules.
• Drive implementation of OFR strategy in branch.
• Escalate carrier performance issues when required.
• Ensure compliance with varying countries' requirements.
• Contribute to the First Choice continuous improvement program.

Skills and Experience

• Ability to lead a team and inspire people.
• Clear understanding of supply chain and logistics principles.
• Good commercial awareness and attitude.
• Experience within a management position in global forwarding.
• Able to prioritise and perform under pressure.
• Inter-personal skills including influencing and communication.
• Self-directed working style.
• Results driven with good attention to detail.
• Good financial understanding including P&L impacts.

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.
• Training and Development opportunities with a strong focus on internal promotion.

Due to the nature of our business, we are regulated by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority), therefore it is compulsory for all applicants once offered employment to provide a full 5 year employment history and undergo a Criminal Record Check.

DHL is committed to creating a workplace that ensures mutual respect and is focused on results. We hire talented people from all backgrounds, and diversity enriches our workplace.

By submitting your application, you agree that DGF UK will process your personal data for recruitment and selection purposes in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.