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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our Southampton ocean freight hub with full commercial control.
- Company: Rapidly expanding global freight forwarding business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, company car, private health insurance, and 22 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with autonomy and growth potential.
- Qualifications: Strong background in freight forwarding and proven sales leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and build a dominant operation in a strategic port location.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a high-performing Branch Manager to take full commercial and operational control of our Southampton ocean freight hub. This is a senior, profit-driven leadership role within a rapidly expanding global freight forwarding business, offering genuine autonomy, strong earning potential, and long-term progression. This opportunity is tailor-made for a sales-led Ocean & Air freight professional who knows how to win business, grow volumes, and build a dominant sea freight operation in one of the UK’s most strategic port locations.
The Opportunity
As Branch Manager, you will own the P&L and be responsible for turning Southampton into a high-growth ocean freight powerhouse. You will drive FCL and LCL volume, develop key shipper relationships, and lead a team focused on commercial performance and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of branch performance, profitability, and growth
- Driving ocean freight sales, increasing FCL/LCL volumes and trade lanes
- Developing and executing a clear commercial growth strategy for sea freight
- Winning new business while growing and retaining key customer accounts
- Leading, motivating, and developing a high-performing freight forwarding team
- Overseeing smooth and compliant import/export ocean operations
- Strengthening carrier relationships and maximising buying power
- Raising the branch’s profile and market share within the Southampton port region
What We’re Looking For
- Strong background in freight forwarding with a heavy ocean freight focus
- Proven success in branch management, sales leadership, or senior operational roles
- Demonstrated ability to grow sea freight revenue, volumes, and teams
- Commercially astute, entrepreneurial, and sales-driven
- Confident leader who thrives in a hands-on, growth-focused environment
- Ambition to build something substantial within a global organisation
What’s On Offer
- Attractive Branch Manager bonus scheme linked to performance
- Company car or £4,500 car allowance
- Fuel card (petrol/diesel)
- Private health insurance
- Phone & laptop provided
- 22 days holiday
- Death in service policy
- Clear long-term progression within a global, expanding freight forwarding business
- £60,000-£80,000 overall package
Sales Branch Manager – Freight in Southampton employer: White Recruitment Construction
Contact Detail:
White Recruitment Construction Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Branch Manager – Freight in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join freight forwarding groups on LinkedIn, and connect with people in the business. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your success stories in ocean freight management. Highlight how you've driven sales and built strong relationships – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like ours at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent achievements and challenges in the freight industry. Tailor your answers to show how you can help them grow their ocean freight operations – we love candidates who do their homework!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Branch Manager – Freight in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ocean and air freight. We want to see how you've driven sales and managed teams in similar roles, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Southampton branch. Share your vision for growth and how you plan to turn our hub into a powerhouse.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for a confident leader, so make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated your team to achieve targets.
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 White Recruitment Construction
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Branch Sales Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L and sales metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators related to ocean freight, such as FCL and LCL volumes, and be ready to discuss how you've driven growth in these areas in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a confident leader who can motivate a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing talent and driving commercial performance. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Build Relationships
Since developing key shipper relationships is crucial, think about how you've built and maintained strong partnerships in your previous positions. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your networking skills and how you've leveraged these relationships to win new business.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the Southampton port region and its competitive landscape. Research the company’s position within the market and be ready to discuss how you would raise the branch's profile and increase market share. Showing that you’ve done your homework will impress the interviewers.
