At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and negotiate competitive agreements in logistics.
- Company: Join Metro, a tech-driven leader in logistics excellence.
- Benefits: Bi-annual 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 45000 - 55000 £ 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. 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 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?
- 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.
Trade Manager in Glasgow 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 a Trade Manager at our Birmingham Business Park HQ, you'll benefit from a respectful and inclusive culture, comprehensive health and wellness perks, 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 Trade Manager in Glasgow
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Metro and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Metro!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Metro keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Metro:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Metro. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metro
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Metro.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Metro that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Metro. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
