At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage European road freight operations while supervising a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a thriving logistics company in Kent with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and make a real impact in the freight industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in road freight and strong leadership 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
Senior Road Freight Operator in 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 Road Freight Operator in Maidstone
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Headford Group.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Headford Group. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Road Freight Operator in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Headford Group, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Headford Group and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Headford Group. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headford Group
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Headford Group.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Headford Group.
