Trade Manager - Ocean Freight Pricing in Birmingham

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 chemicals sectors amongst others.

We are 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.

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. Your role will include:

• 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 tradelanes.
• Develop and implement operational routing strategies aligned with commercial objectives, optimizing 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.

We are looking for someone who’s not just experienced, but passionate about logistics. You’ll need:

• 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.

This company believes in rewarding their people. Here’s a selection of what you’ll enjoy:

• 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.

• 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 skill set 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 throughout the process to success.