At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our Southampton ocean freight hub, driving sales and operational excellence.
- 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 branch and make a real impact in the freight industry.
- Qualifications: Strong background in freight forwarding and proven sales leadership experience.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for ambitious leaders to progress within a global organisation.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 68000 £ 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.
The Opportunity
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
What We’re Looking For
- 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
What’s On Offer
- 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 employer: WR Logistics
Contact Detail:
WR Logistics Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Branch Manager - Freight
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance, share your knowledge about ocean and air freight on platforms like LinkedIn. This not only showcases your skills but also puts you on the radar of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive growth in their ocean freight operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Branch Manager - Freight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ocean and air freight. We want to see how you've driven sales and managed teams in similar roles, 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 our Southampton branch. Share your vision for growth and how you plan to turn our hub into a powerhouse.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for a confident leader, so make sure to highlight your experience in motivating and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Branch Sales 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 trade lanes. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed these in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a confident leader who can motivate a team. Prepare to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in previous roles. Think about how you can inspire others to achieve commercial performance and operational excellence.
✨Build Relationships
Since developing key shipper relationships is crucial, come prepared with stories that highlight your ability to win new business and retain customers. Discuss how you've strengthened carrier relationships and maximised buying power in your previous positions.
✨Have a Growth Strategy Ready
The company is looking for someone who can execute a clear commercial growth strategy. Think about your vision for turning Southampton into a high-growth ocean freight powerhouse. Be ready to outline your approach to increasing market share and raising the branch's profile in the region.