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- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and pricing strategies in ocean freight management.
- Company: Dynamic global Freight Forwarder with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Bi-annual bonuses, health perks, free parking, and career development.
- Other info: Opportunities for cross-training and career mobility within the company.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team making a global impact in logistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean freight and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have been retained by our client, a large SME global Freight Forwarder with huge growth plans, to recruit an experienced Ocean Freight Pricing Specialist to become their Trade Manager. Using cutting-edge technology and driven by passionate people, our client delivers world-class import/export solutions across air, ocean, and road freight, as well as supply chain management and specialist services in retail, manufacturing, automotive and chemical sectors amongst others.
We’re looking for a customer-focused Trade Manager to join their high-performing team based at the Birmingham Business Park HQ. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love solving problems, and want to be part of a company that values innovation and growth - this is your next career move.
What You’ll Be Doing
- As a key leader within the Trade & Commercial team, you will drive strategic partnerships with customers, carriers, and suppliers, leveraging your expertise to negotiate competitive agreements and shape pricing strategies that maximize profitability and market share.
- Lead strategic procurement initiatives across RFQs, long-term rate agreements, and pricing frameworks to secure competitive positioning and profitability.
- Own carrier negotiations and relationship management, building strategic partnerships that deliver long-term value and align with business objectives.
- Define and maintain the company’s pricing structure, ensuring consistency and market competitiveness across all trade lanes.
- Develop and implement operational routing strategies aligned with commercial objectives, optimising trade flows and cost efficiency.
- Provide operational teams with clear carrier options and routing guidance, enabling efficient and cost-effective bookings.
- Support Key Account Directors (KAD) and Key Account Managers (KAM) with tailored trade solutions and actionable commercial insights.
- Ensure compliance with company pricing guidelines, maintaining accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
- Strengthen supplier and carrier partnerships through high-level negotiations, fostering collaboration and long-term value creation.
- Enhance organisational capacity and resilience to support future growth and market leadership following recent team changes.
- Champion continuous improvement by leveraging data insights and market intelligence to refine procurement processes and drive margin improvement.
What You’ll Bring
- Industry and operational knowledge of Ocean / Sea freight - inbound, outbound, and cross trade.
- An understanding of how to influence profitability through effective pricing is preferred.
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality service at a senior level.
- A sharp eye for detail and understanding of its commercial impact.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
- Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal. Experience communicating with external stakeholders and suppliers is preferred.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and Windows systems (Cargowise experience is a plus).
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with great time management.
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and self-motivation.
Rewards
- Discretionary bi-annual bonus – because your success drives the success of the company.
- Health & wellness perks – including gym discounts, retail offers, and more.
- Health cash plan – supporting your wellbeing.
- Octopus EV car scheme – drive electric, drive smart.
- Free parking – no stress, no cost.
- Respectful, inclusive culture – where your voice matters.
- Training & development – grow with us, every step of the way.
Plus, You’ll Enjoy:
- Career Mobility & Growth – our client actively promotes from within and offers clear pathways to progress into senior roles or to explore other departments.
- Cross-Training Opportunities – Expand your skillset by working across different freight modes and supply chain functions.
- Fast-Paced, High-Impact Work – Be part of a team that thrives on energy, agility, and delivering results under pressure.
- Make a Global Impact – Help major international brands deliver on time, every time - your work keeps global supply chains moving.
- Tech-Driven Efficiency – Work with industry-leading systems like Cargowise and MVT to streamline operations and reduce manual tasks.
Apply directly with your CV for an initial conversation - we have been retained by the organisation as their trusted recruitment partner, and can support you through the process to success.
Trade Manager in Solihull employer: Manifest Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Manifest Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Manager in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local freight and logistics events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Knowing their market position and challenges will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Trade Manager, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re here to represent you and help you land that dream job. Plus, we know the ins and outs of the application process to give you an edge.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Manager in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trade Manager role. Highlight your experience in ocean freight pricing and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our client!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for logistics shine through in your application. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and how you thrive in fast-paced environments. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! This helps us represent you better and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manifest Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Trade Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to ocean freight pricing and be ready to discuss how you can influence profitability through effective pricing strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with carriers or suppliers. Highlight your ability to build strategic partnerships and how these have led to long-term value creation. This will show your potential employer that you can drive competitive agreements.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the logistics and freight forwarding industry. Be prepared to discuss how market intelligence can refine procurement processes and improve margins. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and informed.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics like pricing structures and operational strategies. This will help you connect with interviewers and demonstrate your fit for the team.