Job Description:

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.