Senior Commercial Manager - Reefer in Ipswich

MSC is the world’s largest shipping and logistics company, transporting our customers' cargo across the globe by sea, road and rail. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Manager to lead and oversee the entire commercial process for our Reefer Department. This role will focus on driving new business growth, identifying marketing opportunities, implementing Geneva HQ policies, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, and strengthening relationships with key customers and MSC offices worldwide.

Reporting directly to the Head of Sales, the successful candidate will work closely with various business units and our global customer network to promote MSC’s reefer services across both import and export markets. In return for a competitive package, we’re seeking a high-performing individual with a proven track record in the reefer sector—someone who is self-motivated, organised, and results-driven, with a genuine passion for sales and team leadership.

How you will help us and what you can expect:

• Drive MSC’s companywide reefer strategy to maximise market share and strengthen our competitive position.
• Set and manage realistic budgets with MSC UK and overseas agents and ensure they are achieved.
• Increase profitability through proactive upselling and greater utilisation of reefer products.
• Lead, inspire, and develop your team, building expertise and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Represent MSC UK internationally, attending MSC Geneva agency meetings and overseas visits to promote collaboration and brand presence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Trade, Sales, Customer Service, and Operational teams to deliver integrated business solutions.
• Build on MSC proposition to promote market leading position.
• Engage directly with clients, maintaining proactive relationships through face-to-face meetings, UK travel, and client events.
• Manage team performance effectively, implementing improvement plans to drive accountability and a high-performance culture.
• Contribute to a positive work climate through a flexible attitude to work, supporting colleagues and living MSC's brand values.

Skills and experience you’ll bring to us:

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with existing clients while expanding the portfolio through new business development.
• Experience in setting, managing, and achieving budgets with a clear focus on profitability and growth.
• Comprehensive understanding of shipping and logistics, including market trends and operational processes.
• Demonstrated success in sales and pipeline management, consistently meeting or exceeding targets.
• Experienced people leader with a track record of managing, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.
• Proactive, analytical, and results-driven, with the ability to prioritise effectively and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communicator and negotiator, skilled at identifying, tracking, and securing new business opportunities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to analyse and present data effectively.
• Collaborative and solutions-focused approach, able to build positive working relationships across all departments and levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programmes, including Excel and PowerPoint.

What we offer:

• Private Health Care for everyone from day 1.
• Life Assurance – 4x salary.
• 25 days + a day to take on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
• Free parking.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Flu vaccines and eye care vouchers.
• Buy or sell holiday scheme.
• Christmas club saving.
• MSC Cruises friends and family discount.
• Full induction day and training provided.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Dress for the day policy/modern office environment.

What working for us means:

We pride ourselves on being the employer of choice within our industry. We are a family company and our family values feed into everything we do. We are passionate about what we do, we challenge ourselves to achieve excellence and we are tenacious in overcoming obstacles. Through working together with passion and enthusiasm, we provide a unique experience for our customers.

We are in continuous evolution. We strive for the most innovative solutions to embrace change, always respecting safety, and the environment. Our mission is to provide our people with personal fulfilment and enrichment. We are committed to sharing our knowledge, delivering training and support, enabling our people’s professional growth. We ensure fair opportunities through providing long-term career development, embracing diversity, and valuing all cultures. Diversity brings strengths through different viewpoints, experiences & approaches.

How to apply:

Please submit your application via our vacancy page and we will be in touch on next steps.