At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and negotiate competitive agreements in ocean freight.
- Company: Join Metro, a tech-driven logistics company redefining global supply chains.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, health perks, free parking, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with cross-training opportunities and tech-driven efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while thriving in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean freight and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Join Metro – Where Innovation Meets Logistics Excellence. At Metro, we don’t just move freight - we move boundaries. Powered by cutting-edge technology and driven by passionate people, we deliver 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 Ocean Trade Manager to join our high-performing team based at our 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 our 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 freight - inbound, outbound, and cross trade.
- An understanding of how to influence the 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.
Why Metro?
- We believe in rewarding our people. Here’s a selection of what you’ll enjoy:
- Discretionary bi-annual bonus – because your success drives ours.
- 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 – We actively promote from within and offer clear pathways to progress into senior roles or 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.
Ocean Trade Manager in Birmingham employer: Metro
At Metro, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in logistics, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and collaboration. As an Ocean Trade Manager at our Birmingham HQ, you'll benefit from a culture that values your contributions, alongside competitive perks such as a discretionary bonus, health and wellness initiatives, and clear pathways for career advancement. Join us to make a global impact while working with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ocean Trade Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the logistics industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in ocean freight and your knack for negotiation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven profitability and built strong partnerships in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company! Before any interview, dive deep into Metro’s values, recent projects, and their approach to innovation in logistics. This will not only help you tailor your answers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out in the crowd. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Ocean Trade Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Ocean Trade Manager role. Highlight your experience in ocean freight and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive strategic partnerships and negotiate effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for logistics and how your skills align with Metro's values. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you’ve delivered high-quality service in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to see all the other exciting opportunities we have!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metro
✨Know Your Ocean Freight Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ocean freight operations, including inbound, outbound, and cross trade. Be ready to discuss how your expertise can influence profitability through effective pricing strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those that resulted in strategic partnerships or competitive agreements. Highlight how these experiences align with the role's focus on building long-term value with carriers and suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to share how you optimised trade flows or improved procurement processes using data insights, as this aligns with the company's emphasis on continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. Since the role involves liaising with external stakeholders, showcasing your excellent communication skills will be crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles.
