At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop ocean freight operations, driving growth and exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join Woodside Group, a dynamic logistics and supply chain business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health cash plan, 33 days' leave, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a modern office with a supportive team and exciting career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact in international trade while building strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean freight forwarding and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Woodside Group: Woodside Group is a privately owned logistics and supply chain business operating across several specialist divisions including haulage, distribution, warehousing, bulk tanker operations, vehicle delivery, and international freight services. The Woodside Global division provides comprehensive freight forwarding, customs clearance, and trade compliance solutions for both external clients and internal Woodside divisions. With a substantial customs and compliance department, Woodside Global supports import and export operations across multiple sectors, delivering tailored logistics solutions and supply chain expertise to customers throughout the UK and international markets.
The Role: The Ocean Freight Manager will be responsible for leading and developing the ocean freight operation within Woodside Global, driving both import and export container growth while delivering exceptional customer service and commercial performance. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening relationships with existing customers, identifying and developing new business opportunities, and providing value-added supply chain solutions tailored to customer requirements. This position requires a commercially focused freight professional with strong operational knowledge of international ocean freight markets, dangerous goods expertise, and proven leadership capability.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage ocean freight import and export operations across global trade lanes.
- Grow container volumes within both import and export markets in line with company objectives.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with existing Woodside customers.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities within target sectors and markets.
- Provide customers with value-added logistics and supply chain solutions.
- Negotiate rates and service agreements with shipping lines, carriers, and overseas partners.
- Ensure all freight operations comply with customs regulations, international trade requirements, and company procedures.
- Work closely with the internal customs and compliance department to ensure efficient clearance processes.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the ocean freight team to achieve operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
- Monitor market trends, carrier developments, and commercial opportunities within the ocean freight sector.
- Support the wider Woodside Group divisions with international freight and supply chain requirements.
- Ensure Dangerous Goods shipments are handled in accordance with IMDG regulations and company standards.
- Deliver operational and financial performance targets including revenue growth and profitability.
The Person:
- Driven and results oriented.
- Customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills.
- Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
- Professional and commercially aware.
- Capable of leading by example and motivating teams.
- Adaptable and able to manage changing customer and operational demands.
Essential criteria:
- Proven experience within commercial ocean freight forwarding operations.
- Strong understanding of international import and export ocean freight markets.
- Demonstrable experience developing customer relationships and generating new business opportunities.
- Knowledge of shipping line negotiations, carrier management, and freight pricing structures.
- Dangerous Goods certified/trained with strong understanding of IMDG regulations.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Sound understanding of customs procedures and international trade compliance.
- Commercially driven with the ability to identify supply chain improvement opportunities for customers.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced logistics environment.
Desirable:
- Experience managing key accounts within freight forwarding or logistics.
- Knowledge of multimodal freight operations.
- Experience working with customs systems and freight management platforms.
- CPC qualification or relevant freight forwarding certifications.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- 33 days' annual leave.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Regular company events and wellbeing initiatives.
- Free on-site parking.
- Modern, state-of-the-art office facilities.
- A supportive, collaborative and friendly working environment.
Woodside Logistics Group is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every team member feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us.
Ocean Freight Manager in Ballyclare employer: Woodside Logistics Group
Woodside Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive and collaborative work environment. With competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and ongoing learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a modern office with state-of-the-art facilities, the company fosters a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in logistics and supply chain management.
