GRADUATE - Road Logistics - Expo & Events Team in Birmingham

We're looking for our future leaders. If you're ambitious, proactive, and eager to show what you can do, this is a great way to launch your career. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business and gain valuable insights into the industry. Our Graduate Programme is a 2-year programme, where you'll rotate around your chosen business area. You'll get a professional development qualification relevant to your business area, as well as a mentor and buddy to help you throughout your programme. You will also take part in fun and engaging development workshops building the skills for your future career at Kuehne+Nagel.

Our Expo and Events team at Kuehne+Nagel provides comprehensive logistics solutions for Exhibitions and Events worldwide. We support Exhibitors and contractors with all logistics needs, from customs and shipping to forklifts for loading/unloading and storage of empty cases during the show. In this role, you will support our customers with their shipping requirements, overseeing and managing the entire process for shipping to and from exhibitions. This isn't just another job; it's an exciting opportunity to be part of something big and make a real difference.

How you create impact:

• Our programme comprises several rotational placements to provide the breadth of skills development & experience to support your journey towards a future leadership position in our Expo & Events Logistics team.
• You’ll start with an initial introduction to the team, building your understanding of the expo & events world and the processes & systems we use.
• As you build confidence & skill, you’ll be an important part of the sales team, identifying and targeting new business opportunities to support Kuehne+Nagel's growth ambitions.
• Your role will involve multiple communication techniques, including telephone and face-to-face sales, presentations & pitches, networking events and onsite delivery.
• Throughout your placements, you will be learning Sales process, both inbound and outbound, over a range of different mediums.
• Commercial Acumen identifying opportunities to make money and strengthen customer relationships.
• Sourcing and procurement of pricing and information from a range of different specialist suppliers.
• Sales pipeline management to ensure data and opportunities are being captured efficiently.
• Attending Networking Events to ensure we're kept abreast of industry developments and KN's reputation is strengthened.
• Coordination of shipping via air, sea, and road methods to ensure smooth transport for exhibitions and events.
• On-site project management / coordination of logistics at large exhibitions.
• Delivering exceptional support to customers by addressing their needs promptly, professionally, and courteously, ensuring a positive experience.

We will engage with you during your programme to discuss the different routes available after completion of the program, and where your strengths are well suited. Your exposure to our core service areas will be led by business demand in the area you have specialised. Different career routes depend entirely on you as an individual and where your interests lie. Graduates from this programme will typically move into a role such as Exhibition and Event Sales Coordinator with a progression path to Senior Coordinator.

What we would like you to bring:

• Logistics is a complex and fast-paced environment, so people who enjoy challenge and problem-solving would thrive in this environment.
• You need to be able to work well with others, be confident to deal with customers and other third parties, but also have an eye for detail and organisation skills.
• We're looking for raw talent rather than prior knowledge, but we want to see that you're interested in the Logistics industry and where it could take you.
• In addition, we value candidates who are passionate about providing excellent customer service, have a strong work ethic, and are able to communicate effectively with others.
• Good planning and organization skills are important and you will need the ability to multitask and be a self-starter.
• A 2:2 degree qualification (achieved or expected) and 5 GCSEs Grade A-C including Maths & English.
• You must be able to travel in the UK and abroad to support events & for your international placement.
• A full UK driving licence (or will have one by start date) & access to transport.

Please be aware that this vacancy does not meet the minimum requirements for skilled worker visa sponsorship. This position requires enhanced security clearance checks and by applying for this role you are agreeing to participate in the employment screening process. This process will include criminal record checking and identity validation. Any appointment will be strictly conditional upon and subject to the receipt of satisfactory results of these checks. This is an entry-level training position. If you are already qualified or experienced in this area of work, this may not be the position for you. However, we would welcome your application for one of our other vacancies which can be found at https://jobs.kuehne-nagel.com/uk/en.

What's in it for you:

• £28,500 starting salary plus a £1,000 joining bonus.
• Salary increase after 12 months.
• Opportunity to undertake a funded 3-month International placement.
• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Life assurance, private medical insurance, pension plan, and benefits portal.
• A flexible and understanding workplace where you're empowered and treated as an individual.
• A professional qualification linked to your graduate programme.
• This isn't just a two-year programme, it's a step up into the world of Logistics.

Good to know:

• Graduate Contract: 8th Sept 2025 - 5th Sept 2027.
• Working hours: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 (Additional hours due to job demands such as weekends / evenings will be required).
• Place of work: Aston Office (Onsite hybrid working may be available dependent on placement rotations).

Recruitment Process:

• Step 1: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Step 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a telephone screening call with a member of our Talent Acquisition team.
• Step 3: A final shortlist of candidates will be invited to an assessment centre onsite where you will meet several members of the hiring team.
• Step 4: All candidates will receive telephone feedback after the assessment centre and if offered will be invited to return to the office for a further site tour and to provide right to work documentation.