Operations Manager – Global Freight & Logistics Provider

Notice Period

Available Immediately

Salary Expectation

£50,000 or above

Executive Summary

The candidate is a results-driven Operations and Logistics Manager with nearly 20 years of total supply chain background, including over 7 years of specialized experience in global freight forwarding, customs clearance, and import/export management.

Having progressed from warehouse supervision to senior operational leadership, they excel at optimizing workflows, driving financial accountability, and maintaining rigorous compliance standards.

They bring a strong track record in end-to-end freight oversight, managing cross-functional teams, integrating digital systems, and scaling revenue through active client and carrier management.

Core Competency Assessment

Technical Expertise

End-to-End Freight & Logistics: Extensive experience in import/export sea freight, customs clearance formalities, vessel ETA tracking, and official export documentation (including Chamber of Commerce filings).
Systems & Software: Integrated Facilities Management Systems (IFMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), specialized database software, and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Compliance & Quality: QSHE working instruction adherence, DAN & TAN customs invoicing oversight, and strict compliance with data privacy policies (POPI).

Leadership & People

Team Leadership & Scale: Direct experience managing teams of up to 18 operational staff across high-volume distribution and freight forwarding environments.
Culture & Resource Management: Proven ability to drive team engagement, mentor staff, manage shift rotas/coverage, and cultivate a high-performance culture across multi-disciplinary departments.
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Hands-on involvement in recruitment, interviewing, and delivering structured training programs for new operational and customs personnel.

Commercial/Business

Financial Oversight: Accountable for job profitability reviews, billing accuracy, purchase invoice authorizations, and partnering with finance teams to produce weekly performance metrics.
Commercial Negotiation: Skilled in negotiating sea freight rates with shipping lines, creating client quotes, upselling services, and driving new business development.
SLA & Vendor Management: Demonstrable success in monitoring haulage suppliers, auditing transport costs, and consistently meeting or exceeding customer SLAs.

Key Qualifications

IOSH Certificate (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
Certificates in Policies & Procedures, Setting Standards & Counselling
Trained Fire Warden
Intermediate Excel Certification
G.C.S.E.s including I.T. (Distinction) and English Language

Strategic Value Add

Workflow Automation & Systems Integration: Collaborates directly with IT and analytics teams to design automated workflows and system integrations that eliminate administrative bottlenecks.
Operational Continuity: Highly versatile leader frequently designated to provide executive cover for General Managers, Customs Leads, and Compliance Officers during absences.
Process Optimization: Continually reviews operational performance metrics to identify cost savings, streamline warehouse and dispatch procedures, and elevate overall service delivery.

Consultant's Recommendation

Strongly Recommended. An adaptable, highly organized operational leader who balances deep freight/logistics expertise with strong compliance and financial control. They represent an exceptional fit for organizations seeking a hands-on Operations Manager or Senior Freight Lead capable of streamlining processes and driving team productivity immediately upon entry.

Candidate Ref

RME58462584