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.
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with cross-training opportunities and tech-driven efficiency.
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?
- 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.
Trade Manager in Woking employer: Metro
Contact Detail:
Metro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Manager in Woking
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching Metro and its competitors. Understand their services, values, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the company and the Trade Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Trade Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Metro. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trade Manager role. Highlight your logistics expertise, especially in ocean freight, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive profitability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about logistics and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with carriers or suppliers in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give us examples of how you've tackled challenges in a fast-paced environment. We want to see your strategic thinking and how you've used data insights to improve processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and start the conversation about your future with Metro!
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 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 Analytical Mindset
Be ready to talk about how you've used data insights and market intelligence to drive improvements in procurement processes. This will show your potential employer that you can champion continuous improvement and enhance operational efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics like pricing structures and operational routing strategies. Strong communication skills are key, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.