At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage European road freight operations while supervising a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a thriving logistics company with a focus on teamwork and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with autonomy and real responsibility.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful projects in a fast-paced freight-forwarding environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in road freight and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Kent
Salary: £40k + DOE
Hours: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Road Freight Operator to take ownership of our European road freight operations, lead a small team, and ensure the smooth running of import, export and domestic delivery activities. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role suited to someone who thrives in a freight-forwarding environment and enjoys both operational responsibility and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing Road Freight Import & Export operations, plus Domestic Delivery Planning
- Handling Groupage, Full Load, Part Load and Dedicated movements
- Providing ad-hoc quotations across all service types
- Working with Freight of All Kinds (FAK) across key European trade lanes
- Liaising daily with overseas agents, hauliers, carriers and customs brokers
- Taking ownership of escalations from agents and internal departments
- Supervising a team of 5 operators including training, performance reviews, KPIs and SOP compliance
- Ensuring high service levels, operational accuracy and customer satisfaction
What We Are Looking For
- Several years experience in Road Freight / European Freight Forwarding
- Strong knowledge of groupage, part loads, full loads and dedicated vehicles
- Confident communicator with proven experience dealing with agents, hauliers and suppliers
- Solid understanding of European road networks, transit times and customs processes
- Experience supervising or mentoring staff (or ready to step into leadership)
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and solve problems quickly
- Commercial awareness with the ability to support quoting and margin protection
What's in It for You
- Competitive salary + benefits
- Clear progression opportunities
- Supportive team environment
- A role with autonomy, responsibility and real impact
Locations
Senior Freight Forwarder (Permanent) in Kent, Maidstone employer: Headford Group
Join a dynamic logistics business that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth, you will play a crucial role in managing transport operations across the UK and Europe, all while being part of a supportive team that prioritises compliance and efficiency. This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful employment in a thriving sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Freight Forwarder (Permanent) in Kent, Maidstone
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Headford Group and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Headford Group!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Headford Group keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Freight Forwarder (Permanent) in Kent, Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Headford Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Headford Group. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Headford Group
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Headford Group.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Headford Group that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Headford Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
