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- Tasks: Drive strategic partnerships and negotiate competitive agreements in logistics.
- Company: Join Metro, a leader in innovative logistics solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, bonuses, free parking, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a global impact while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean freight and strong numerical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for cross-training and professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 Trade Manager to join our high-performing team based at our Birmingham Business Park HQ.
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.
- Develop and implement operational routing strategies aligned with commercial objectives, optimising trade flows and cost efficiency.
- Support Key Account Directors (KAD) and Key Account Managers (KAM) with tailored trade solutions and actionable commercial insights.
- Strengthen supplier and carrier partnerships through high-level negotiations, fostering collaboration and long-term value creation.
- Champion continuous improvement by leveraging data insights and market intelligence to refine procurement processes and drive margin improvement.
We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced, but passionate about logistics:
- Industry and operational knowledge of Ocean freight - inbound, outbound, and cross trade.
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality service at a senior level.
- A sharp eye for detail and understanding of its commercial impact.
- Strong numerical and commercial acumen.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and Windows systems (Cargowise experience is a plus).
Benefits include:
- 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.
- Training & development – grow with us, every step of the way.
- 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.
- 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.
Trade Manager - Shipping in Birmingham employer: Metro
Contact Detail:
Metro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Manager - Shipping in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to our mission of logistics excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Trade Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure competitive agreements. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Manager - Shipping in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Trade Manager role. Highlight your expertise in logistics, especially in ocean freight, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive strategic partnerships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for logistics and how you can contribute to Metro's mission. Be specific about how your background fits the job description and mention any unique insights you can bring to the team.
Showcase Your Numerical Skills: Since strong numerical acumen is key for this role, don’t shy away from including examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical capabilities and commercial understanding.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metro
✨Know Your Freight Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ocean freight, including inbound, outbound, and cross trade. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of logistics and how it impacts profitability.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to talk about your past experiences in carrier negotiations and relationship management. Think of a few key examples where you successfully built strategic partnerships or secured competitive agreements, as this will highlight your ability to drive value for the company.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves leveraging data insights for continuous improvement, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to refine procurement processes or improve margins in previous roles. This will show your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Logistics
Metro is looking for someone who is not just experienced but also passionate about logistics. Share what excites you about the industry and how you stay updated on trends and innovations. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.