At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global transport strategy and ensure compliance across all regions.
- Company: Fast-growing consumer goods brand with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant international exposure and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of global logistics in a rapidly expanding company.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in global transportation and trade compliance.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
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:- 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
- 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.
- 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
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 employer: Pod Talent
As a fast-growing consumer goods brand based in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and innovation. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through our investment in training and leadership opportunities, ensuring that our team members can thrive in their careers while contributing to our ambitious global logistics strategy. With a focus on quality and service, we offer a unique chance to shape the future of our transportation and trade compliance operations in a supportive environment that values collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their logistics strategies and challenges. We want to see you shine by showing how your experience aligns with their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to communicate your value clearly and confidently. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that first impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Global Logistics. Highlight your experience in global transportation and trade compliance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills.
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. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed transportation strategies and compliance in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a senior leader, your ability to communicate effectively is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've influenced stakeholders at various levels and how you’ve built strong partnerships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show that you're the right fit for a senior 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 will demonstrate your ability to build structure and capability as teams scale, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s growth trajectory and its focus on quality and service. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ambitious goals and help shape their global transportation strategy. Showing that you understand their vision 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 plan to enhance their trade compliance. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking capabilities.
