Freight Forwarding Team Leader
Location: Southampton
Salary: Up to £50,000
Monday to Friday | Permanent | 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
We're looking for an experienced Sea Freight Forwarding Team Leader to join a busy Southampton operation, leading a team of 7 while remaining hands‑on with the day‑to‑day movement of complex export shipments.
This is a key role within the operations structure, acting as the link between the Operations Manager and the wider operational team. You'll provide guidance and support to the team, help resolve more complex issues and ensure shipments are managed efficiently from initial enquiry through to completion.
While there is a strong leadership element, this is not a desk‑away-from‑the‑action role. You'll continue to manage your own shipments and be actively involved in export forwarding, particularly across break bulk, out‑of‑gauge (OOG), project and yacht cargo.
The Role
- Lead, support and oversee a team of 7 operational staff.
- Act as the day‑to‑day link between the Operations Manager and the operational team.
- Remain hands‑on with the management and coordination of export shipments.
- Manage complex shipments from initial enquiry, quotation and booking through to final delivery.
- Take ownership of shipment files, ensuring all operational and financial elements are accurately managed.
- Prepare and submit shipment estimates, following these through to help convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.
- Coordinate the various elements of specialist cargo movements, including shipping, cradling, wrapping, insurance, customs and surveying.
- Proactively communicate with customers throughout the shipment, anticipating potential issues rather than simply reacting to them.
- Support the team with complex operational issues, delays and challenging shipments, using initiative and creative problem‑solving.
- Help ensure the team maintains high standards of customer service, accuracy and communication.
- Keep up to date with international shipping regulations and relevant regional political and cultural considerations.
- Share knowledge and experience with the team while helping to develop their operational capability.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with solid freight forwarding and export operations experience, with exposure to complex or specialist cargo.
You'll have experience in the following:
- Break bulk, project cargo and/or out‑of‑gauge shipments.
- Export freight forwarding and end‑to‑end shipment management.
- Preparing quotations and shipment estimates.
- Coordinating multiple suppliers and service providers.
- Customs, shipping documentation and international transport processes.
- Managing customer relationships and proactively communicating throughout a shipment.
- Supporting or leading an operational team.
- Resolving complex transport or shipment issues.
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Freight Forwarding Team Leader in Southampton employer: White Recruitment Limited
As a leading player in the wholesale sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a competitive salary alongside generous benefits, including private medical insurance and ample annual leave, all while having the opportunity to make a significant impact on our product portfolio. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive culture, we empower our Range Managers to excel and grow within our organisation.
