Operations Director - Freight Forwarding
Operations Director - Freight Forwarding

Operations Director - Freight Forwarding

Daventry Full-Time 72000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a dynamic freight forwarding environment.
  • Company: Join a top logistics company focused on growth and excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while driving strategic growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in freight forwarding with strong leadership and financial skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with a high-performing team and advance your career.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ per year.

Operations Director – Freight Forwarding Location: Daventry Salary: £100,000pa About the Role We are seeking an operational & commercially astute Operations Director with proven experience working directly within a UK-based freight forwarding company. The successful candidate will have deep knowledge of air, sea, and road import/export operations, combined with full P&L responsibility. This senior leadership role will drive operational excellence, financial performance, and strategic growth at one of our key regional branches. Key Responsibilities: Provide decisive leadership and strategic oversight of branch operations. Manage and develop a high-performing team to ensure smooth multimodal freight forwarding processes across air, sea, and road. Take full ownership of P&L, safeguarding existing revenue while driving sustainable, profitable growth. Collaborate closely with the Operations Manager to coordinate daily activities and resolve operational issues. Prepare, review, and analyse monthly financial and operational reports in partnership with the Group Operations Director. Ensure full compliance with health & safety regulations, security protocols, and company policies. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement initiatives to improve productivity, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Lead team performance management, including conducting Performance Development Plans (PDPs) and promoting continuous improvement. Ideal Candidate Profile: Proven experience in a UK-based freight forwarding company, with hands-on management of air, sea, and road import/export operations. Commercially astute with full P&L accountability and a strong track record of delivering financial results. Minimum five year\’s experience leading multi-functional logistics teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills. Adaptable, resilient, and skilled at problem-solving under pressure. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Professional qualifications in Logistics or Supply Chain Management are preferred. Proficient in MS Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and CargoWise software. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence and engage across all business levels. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Timely and accurate delivery of monthly billing and financial data. Compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). Adherence to budget and robust financial reporting. Why Apply? This is a prime opportunity for a strategic and commercially savvy operations leader to take ownership of a key branch within a growing logistics company. If you bring the experience and leadership to drive success in a dynamic multimodal freight forwarding environment, we want to hear from you! WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit UK wide for permanent and contract jobs. WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. TPBN1_UKTJ

Operations Director - Freight Forwarding employer: WR Logistics

At our Daventry location, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that our employees thrive in their careers while contributing to the success of our freight forwarding operations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and excellence in logistics.
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Contact Detail:

WR Logistics Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Freight Forwarding

✨Tip Number 1

Network within the freight forwarding industry. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to insider knowledge about job openings and valuable recommendations.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in freight forwarding. Being knowledgeable about innovations like CargoWise software can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to staying current in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising situational questions related to P&L management and team leadership. Think of specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and financial performance.

✨Tip Number 4

Research StudySmarter and our values. Understanding our company culture and how we operate will help you tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Freight Forwarding

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Financial Acumen
P&L Management
Freight Forwarding Knowledge
Multimodal Logistics Expertise
Team Development
Operational Excellence
Problem-Solving Skills
Compliance Knowledge
Performance Management
Customer Relationship Management
Data Analysis
MS Office Proficiency
CargoWise Software Knowledge
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in freight forwarding, particularly in air, sea, and road operations. Emphasise your P&L responsibility and any leadership roles you've held.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and strategic vision for the role. Mention specific achievements in previous positions that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence and financial performance.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have professional qualifications in Logistics or Supply Chain Management, be sure to mention them prominently. This will show your commitment to the field and enhance your credibility as a candidate.

Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and managed performance effectively. Highlight your collaborative leadership style and ability to influence across various business levels.

How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics

✨Showcase Your Freight Forwarding Expertise

Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in air, sea, and road import/export operations. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in the freight forwarding industry and how you overcame them.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since this role involves full P&L responsibility, be ready to talk about your previous financial management experiences. Share examples of how you've driven profitable growth and managed budgets effectively.

✨Emphasise Leadership Skills

This position requires strong leadership capabilities. Discuss your experience in managing multi-functional teams, including how you've developed talent and fostered a high-performing culture within your teams.

✨Prepare for Operational Challenges

Expect questions about how you handle operational issues and ensure compliance with health & safety regulations. Prepare examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain productivity under pressure.

Operations Director - Freight Forwarding
WR Logistics
W
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