At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale global transport operations while ensuring compliance and cost control.
- Company: Fast-growing consumer goods brand with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid work, and international exposure.
- Why this job: Shape a pivotal global transportation function in a rapidly growing company.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in global transportation and trade compliance.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant international travel and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Sector: Consumer Goods
Location: London (hybrid)
Salary: £75,000 - £90,000 + 15% bonus
Reports to: Logistics Director
A fast-growing, consumer goods brand is hiring a Head of Global Transportation to lead and scale its global transport and trade compliance operation. The business has experienced sustained, high double-digit growth and is now at the point where it needs a senior, externally experienced leader to professionalise structure, strengthen partners, and build a longer-term global logistics and compliance strategy. This is a highly visible role within the global operations leadership team, with responsibility for transportation strategy, carrier and forwarder partnerships, and global trade compliance governance. Transport spend is expected to be in the region of £10m.
The role of Head of Global Transportation:
- You will lead global transportation and trade compliance across all modes and regions, ensuring reliable service, strong cost control and robust regulatory compliance as the business continues to scale internationally.
- This is a genuinely senior role, combining operational control with longer-term strategy and transformation.
Key responsibilities for the position of Head of Global Transportation / Head of Logistics:
- Own and deliver the global transportation strategy across air, ocean, road and parcel networks.
- Lead carrier, freight forwarder and 3PL selection, negotiation and performance management.
- Oversee global import and export compliance, including classification, origin, valuation and customs governance.
- Build and embed global policies, SOPs and internal controls for transport and trade compliance.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with international regulations and certifications (including AEO and C-TPAT).
- Own transportation and duty budgets, driving cost optimisation and duty/tax efficiency.
- Lead escalation and risk management for customs issues, delays and regulatory change.
- Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, IT, Sales and Planning to support growth and market expansion.
- Lead, coach and develop the global transportation and compliance leadership team.
What they are looking for:
- Senior leadership experience across global transportation operations (air, ocean, road and parcel).
- Strong, hands-on knowledge of international trade compliance, including HS classification, origin, valuation and customs regimes.
- Experience working with global forwarders, carriers, brokers and 3PL partners.
- A strong understanding of Incoterms, freight procurement and logistics cost drivers.
- Experience designing and embedding policies, standards and governance frameworks.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, high-growth, international environment.
- A confident communicator, able to influence at senior and operational levels.
- Proven people leadership experience and the ability to build structure and capability as teams scale.
- Experience from either an in-house global logistics environment or a senior role within a freight forwarding/logistics services organisation will be considered.
Why this role is different:
- The business is growing at c. 20-30% year on year and investing heavily in its supply chain.
- Significant international exposure across Europe, North America and Asia.
- A rare opportunity to shape a global transportation and trade compliance function at a pivotal stage of growth.
- Strong focus on quality, service and brand reputation – not just cost.
- Future-focused agenda, including partner strategy, network design and trade compliance risk mitigation.
Additional information:
- International travel required as the role demands.
- This role will suit a commercially minded, structured and highly credible transportation leader who enjoys building capability, challenging existing ways of working and helping a premium, global consumer brand scale safely and sustainably.
Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport in Greenford employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport in Greenford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show them that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for their team. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We need to be confident in articulating our experience and how it aligns with the Head of Global Transportation role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows our enthusiasm for the position and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the best fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport in Greenford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Global Transportation. Highlight your experience in global logistics, trade compliance, and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead and scale operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with our needs, like managing transportation budgets or developing compliance strategies.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and driven change in previous roles. Share examples of how you've built structure and capability in logistics operations, and how you’ve influenced stakeholders at all levels.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of global transportation operations and trade compliance. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like HS classification, Incoterms, and customs governance. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-growth environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your ability to build and develop teams will be crucial.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s growth trajectory and its supply chain investments. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious goals, particularly in terms of cost optimisation and compliance. Showing that you understand their business model will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the industry. Inquire about their current logistics challenges or how they envision the future of their transportation strategy. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into their expectations.