Seafreight Branch Manager in Birkenhead

Seafreight Branch Manager in Birkenhead

Birkenhead Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Red Recruit Global

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and manage daily seafreight operations in Liverpool.
  • Company: Established international freight forwarding organisation with growth potential.
  • Benefits: Negotiable salary, office-based role, and car parking available.
  • Other info: Stable long-term opportunity due to upcoming retirement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role with growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Strong seafreight experience and proven leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Liverpool area

Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience and qualifications

Position: Full-time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Office-based

About the Role

Our client, a long-established international freight forwarding organisation, is looking for an experienced Seafreight Branch Manager to join their Liverpool area office due to an upcoming retirement. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on freight forwarding professional to take responsibility for a well-established, medium-sized branch with a strong existing team and real potential for further growth. The office currently has a team of seven employees, so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable managing the branch while also getting involved operationally when required. This role would suit someone who has worked within a small to medium-sized freight forwarder and enjoys being close to the day-to-day operation, rather than someone coming from a very large corporate environment. The company is privately owned, highly established, and part of an international freight forwarding network with offices worldwide. This is a stable, long-term opportunity for someone with strong seafreight knowledge, commercial awareness, and a steady career history.

Main Responsibilities

  • Manage the day-to-day running of the Liverpool area branch.
  • Lead, support, and develop a team of seven employees.
  • Oversee worldwide seafreight operations, including LCL, FCL, and breakbulk shipments.
  • Provide hands-on operational support when required.
  • Ensure shipments are handled efficiently, accurately, and in line with customer expectations.
  • Maintain strong relationships with clients, shipping lines, hauliers, overseas offices, and agents.
  • Support the continued growth and development of the branch.
  • Identify commercial opportunities and help maximise branch performance.
  • Monitor service levels, workloads, operational standards, and profitability.
  • Ensure compliance with internal procedures and freight forwarding best practice.
  • Work closely with senior management and the wider international network.

Skills and Experience Required

  • Strong seafreight forwarding experience is essential.
  • Extensive knowledge of worldwide LCL and FCL shipments.
  • Experience with breakbulk shipments would be highly advantageous.
  • Previous experience in a Branch Manager, Operations Manager, or similar senior freight forwarding role.
  • Background working within a small to medium-sized freight forwarder would be preferred.
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to help grow an established branch.
  • Hands-on approach with the willingness to support operations when needed.
  • Good leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
  • Strong customer service and client relationship skills.
  • Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving ability.
  • A steady employment history with good length of service in previous roles.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced freight forwarding professional who has progressed through seafreight operations and understands the practical day-to-day demands of running a busy branch. Our client is looking for someone reliable, commercially minded, and hands-on, with a stable CV and proven long-term commitment in previous roles. This role is unlikely to suit someone with frequent short-term moves or someone who has only worked within one of the very large global freight forwarding organisations.

Why Apply?

  • Established Liverpool area office with strong growth potential.
  • Opportunity to manage a medium-sized branch and experienced team.
  • Hands-on role with real influence over branch performance.
  • Part of a privately owned, international freight forwarding organisation.
  • Long-term career opportunity due to upcoming retirement.
  • Office-based role with car parking available.
  • Negotiable salary package based on experience and qualifications.

How to apply:

If you are looking for a hands-on leadership role with genuine scope to progress, we would love to hear from you … Please get in touch today! If you have relevant experience, please get in touch today. You can also refer someone suitable.

E: T: 01376 503567 | 0203 906 6020

Seafreight Branch Manager in Birkenhead employer: Red Recruit Global

Join a well-established, privately owned international freight forwarding organisation in the Liverpool area as a Seafreight Branch Manager. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a medium-sized branch with significant growth potential, while enjoying a supportive work culture that values hands-on leadership and employee development. With a focus on operational involvement and strong client relationships, this position promises a rewarding career path in a stable environment, complete with a negotiable salary package and convenient office-based location.

Red Recruit Global

Contact Details:

Red Recruit Global Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Seafreight Branch Manager in Birkenhead

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 Red Recruit Global 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 Red Recruit Global!

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 Red Recruit Global 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 Seafreight Branch Manager in Birkenhead

Seafreight Forwarding Experience
Knowledge of LCL and FCL Shipments
Breakbulk Shipment Experience
Branch Management
Operations Management
Commercial Awareness
Team Leadership

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 Red Recruit Global:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Red Recruit Global. 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 Red Recruit Global

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 Red Recruit Global.

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 Red Recruit Global 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 Red Recruit Global. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!