Ocean Freight Manager

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Our Diversity and Inclusion commitments 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.

Please note The company operates pre‑employment drug screening testing and any offer of employment made is conditional upon a clear pre‑employment drug screening test. You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. Where the number of applications received exceeds the anticipated volume, the company reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria in order to facilitate the selection process. Prospective employees are expected to disclose any unspent criminal convictions during the recruitment process. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a position with the company. Any disclosure will be considered fairly and in line with the requirements of the role and applicable legislation.