Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Operations Manager (Freight Forwarding)
Medway, Kent
£45,000 – £60,000 DOE
Contact: Emily or Sammy at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment
Are you an experienced freight forwarding professional looking for the opportunity to lead a team whilst remaining involved in the day-to-day operation?
Do you thrive in an SME environment where decisions are made quickly, your input is valued, and you can genuinely make a difference?
We are supporting a well-established international logistics business in the search for an Operations Manager to take ownership of a busy freight operation and lead a close-knit team through its next phase of growth.
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit behind spreadsheets all day. We're looking for a hands-on freight professional who can support a team, solve problems, make decisions and keep operations running smoothly across international movements.
The Role
Reporting into the senior management team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a busy freight operation, leading a team whilst also remaining operationally involved where required.
Responsibilities will include:
- Managing and developing a small team of freight professionals
- Acting as the primary escalation point for operational issues
- Overseeing import and export shipments from start to finish
- Supporting the team with complex or time-critical movements
- Improving processes, workflows and operational efficiency
- Managing workloads and ensuring excellent customer service levels
- Building a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture
- Working closely with senior leadership to support continued business growth
About You
To be considered, you must have:
- Solid, substantial experience within freight forwarding
- Strong knowledge of air and sea freight operations
- Previous experience managing, supervising or leading a team
- End-to-end import and export knowledge
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- The confidence to take ownership and make operational decisions independently
- Experience within an SME freight forwarding environment
- A hands-on approach and willingness to support the team when required
What's On Offer?
- Opportunity to join a successful and growing logistics business
- Genuine autonomy and influence within the operation
- Supportive and down-to-earth working environment
- Stable, established team with strong staff retention
- Autonomy to shape processes and make a visible impact
- Competitive salary of £45,000 – £60,000 depending on experience
If you're an experienced freight professional looking for your next leadership opportunity within a business where you can genuinely make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today with your CV or contact Emily or Sammy at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
Make this application stronger
Use these quick checks before applying so your CV, interview preparation and job search are better matched to this vacancy.
Before you apply
Check the key details and make sure the role matches what you are looking for.
- Review the job title, company, location, salary and working pattern if provided.
- Check the skills, experience or qualifications requested by the employer.
- Make sure the commute, hours and contract type are realistic for you.
Tailor your CV
For Customer Services Jobs, highlight the most relevant skills, experience and achievements linked to this type of work. Keep it honest, clear and focused on what the employer is asking for.
Use the CV Builder or browse Career Advice.
Prepare for interview
If your application is successful, prepare simple examples that show your motivation, strengths and suitability.
Keep searching smarter
Do not rely on one application. Keep searching similar roles and set up alerts so new vacancies reach you faster.
