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- Tasks: Lead and grow our Southampton ocean freight hub, driving sales and team performance.
- 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: Take charge of a high-growth operation and make a real impact in the logistics industry.
- Qualifications: Strong background in freight forwarding and proven sales leadership experience.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career progression within a dynamic global organisation.
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.
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
- 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
- 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 Portsmouth employer: WR Logistics
Contact Detail:
WR Logistics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Branch Manager - Freight in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events or online. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've driven sales and managed teams in the past. We want to see your passion for ocean freight and how you can make an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out. Know their values, recent news, and competitors. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Branch Manager - Freight in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in freight forwarding, especially with ocean freight. We want to see how you've driven sales and managed teams, 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 the Branch Manager role. Share your vision for growing the Southampton hub and how you plan to build strong relationships with shippers.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive performance, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Branch Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L and how to drive profitability. Brush up on key metrics related to ocean freight sales, FCL/LCL volumes, and market trends in Southampton. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but a commercially savvy one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve led a team to success in freight forwarding. This role requires a hands-on leader, so be ready to share how you inspire and develop talent within your team.
✨Build Relationships
Since developing key shipper relationships is crucial, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in previous roles. Highlight any strategies you've used to strengthen carrier relationships and maximise buying power, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Craft a Growth Strategy
Think about how you would approach creating a commercial growth strategy for the Southampton branch. Be ready to discuss your ideas on winning new business and retaining key accounts. Showing that you can think strategically about growth will set you apart from other candidates.
