Sea Freight Forwarding Team Leader

Our client is a well-established freight forwarding and logistics provider who pride themselves on offering a bespoke service to their many global customers. Finding the fastest and most cost-effective transport solutions whether that is by air, sea or road or contract logistics.

We are now recruiting for a Sea Freight Forwarding Team Leader for the Manchester office which is based in Altrincham
This role is responsible for the day-to-day Sea Freight forwarding team, Proven experience in managing a team, with excellent leadership and people management skills.
We are looking for a hands-on ocean freight team leaders who can manage a small team based in Manchester .
Leading by example this is a hands-on role with the necessity to handle shipments operationally whilst promoting best practice across your team.

Key duties and responsibilities:
* Lead and manage a team of Sea freight operators (import & export), providing guidance, training, and support to ensure optimal performance and professional development.
* Manage and strengthen relationships with existing customers, proactively addressing their needs, resolving any issues, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction
* Manage and strengthen relationships with existing suppliers, proactively developing services which fit our customer base development
* Collaborate with the sales, customer relationship and digital marketing teams to identify new business opportunities and develop strategies to expand our client base.
* Work closely with the sales team on commercial needs, including pricing, contracts, and negotiation.
* Monitor market trends, industry developments, and competitor activities to identify potential risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations to senior management.
* Analyse departmental performance and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
* Stay up-to-date with relevant industry regulations and ensure compliance within the department.

Person Specification:
* A high level of experience in ocean freight forwarding, with a strong understanding of customs procedures and regulations.
* Proven experience in managing a sea freight forwarding team, with excellent leadership and people management skills.
* Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
* Sound knowledge of freight forwarding software and systems.
* A hands-on approach to the department with the ability to handle
* Exceptional organisational and time management abilities, with the capability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
* A proactive and results-oriented mindset, with a drive to achieve targets and contribute to the growth of the department.

Salary & Benefits
* Salary: 35,000-40,000 Circa
* Hours 9-5.30pm
* Annual leave; 31 days. Increases after 3 years' service by 1 day a year, up to a further 5 days.
* Volunteer Day: Additional 1 day per year paid to give back to the local community.
* HSF: Health cash plan service that the company contributes to.
* Fresh fruit delivered weekly to all offices.
* Paid sick leave, after probation.
* EAP Program.
* Long service financial rewards