At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance and drive business growth in freight forwarding.
- Company: Established global multimodal freight forwarding and logistics business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, car allowance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on branch success and develop your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within freight forwarding or logistics.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Folkestone, Kent
Salary: Competitive Salary + Commission + Car Allowance / Company Car
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday - Friday | 40hrs per week
About the Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Commercial Manager to join an established global multimodal freight forwarding and logistics business based in the Folkestone/Dover area. Reporting directly to the Branch Director, you will take responsibility for the commercial performance, business development and customer growth of the branch, while managing a team of approximately 5 direct reports. Working closely with the operational team, you will identify new business opportunities, develop existing customer relationships, drive profitability and ensure customers receive a high-quality, tailored service.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager, Sales Manager or Business Development Manager with a background in freight forwarding and logistics to take ownership of commercial performance and make a genuine impact on branch growth and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive the growth and profitability of the business by identifying, developing and securing new commercial opportunities across road, sea, air, courier freight, warehousing and customs services.
- Develop and convert new business opportunities, target markets and customer relationships, while identifying opportunities to expand and enhance services provided to existing clients.
- Manage, coach and support a team of approximately 5 direct reports, helping to drive commercial performance, accountability and development.
- Work collaboratively with operational teams to ensure effective account management and delivery of a high-quality, tailored service to customers, supporting long-term retention and growth.
- Manage commercial performance by ensuring appropriate pricing strategies, clear profit margins and maximum profitability across all accounts and opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular engagement, including customer meetings, site visits and industry events where appropriate.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins and develop the branch's overall commercial performance.
- Provide regular commercial insight and performance updates to the Branch Director.
Key Requirements
- Previous experience in a Commercial Manager, Business Development Manager or Sales Manager position within a freight forwarding or logistics organisation (Essential).
- Proven track record of driving revenue growth and developing profitable business across Air, Sea and/or Road freight services (Essential).
- Experience managing, motivating and developing a commercial team.
- Strong understanding of freight forwarding, logistics and international transport.
- Strong negotiation and commercial skills.
- Excellent relationship-building and customer management abilities.
- Self-motivated, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced commercial environment.
- Strong attention to detail and accountability.
- High level of IT literacy.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary open to discussion and negotiable DOE
- Commission scheme
- Monday - Friday | 40hrs per week
- Company mobile phone
- Car allowance or company car
- 25 days holiday + Bank/Public Holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Contributory private healthcare
- Long service reward scheme
- Referral bonus scheme
- Members Assistance Programme
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager / Sales Manager / Business Development Manager to take ownership of the commercial performance of an established freight forwarding operation. With responsibility for both team leadership and commercial growth, the role offers the opportunity to influence strategy, develop customer relationships and contribute directly to the continued success of the branch.
To Note
Should you have not heard back up to 14 days from the date of your application, please assume that you have been unsuccessful. TLP Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Please note that by applying for this position you consent to TLP processing and storing your personal data for the purposes of providing you with work finding services. We process your personal data in accordance with data protection laws, which require us to give you a Privacy Statement to explain how we manage your personal data. Our full Privacy Statement is available to view on the TLP website, or it can be provided upon request.
Commercial Manager in Maidstone employer: TLP
Join a dynamic team as a Yard Operative in Borough Green/Wrotham, where we prioritise employee well-being and growth. Enjoy competitive pay, immediate start opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values hard work and dedication. With accessible public transport and a focus on teamwork, this role offers a rewarding experience in a vibrant outdoor environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Maidstone
✨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 TLP 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 TLP!
✨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 TLP 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 Commercial Manager in Maidstone
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 TLP:This is your chance to really connect with the team at TLP. 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 TLP
✨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 TLP.
✨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 TLP 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 TLP. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
