Overview

Southampton | Full-Time | Competitive Salary

Fed up with the corporate side of freight forwarding? Looking for somewhere you can make a real difference, have your ideas heard and potentially run your own branch in the future?

We’re working with a well-established, privately owned freight forwarder that’s growing and looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join its friendly, close-knit team in Southampton.

This isn’t about endless reports, corporate red tape or chasing KPIs. It’s about looking after customers, supporting your colleagues, keeping shipments
moving and helping a good business become even better.

The company has a strong reputation, a personal approach to customer service and genuine ambitions to grow. They now need someone who wants to be part of that journey.

And here’s the exciting bit – for the right person, there’s a real opportunity to progress into a Branch Manager position in the medium term.

About the Role:

As Operations Manager, you’ll be the go-to person for the day-to-day freight forwarding operation, with a particular focus on ocean freight imports and exports.

You’ll be hands-on when needed, helping the team solve problems, looking after customers and making sure everything runs smoothly.

It’s a smaller business, so you’ll have the freedom to get involved in different areas, share ideas and help shape how things develop.

You’ll work closely with the business owners, giving you the chance to learn more about the commercial side of running a successful freight forwarding branch, with a view to taking on greater responsibility as the business grows.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Looking after the day-to-day ocean freight operation, covering imports and exports.
  • Supporting and guiding a small, experienced team, creating a positive working environment.
  • Getting involved operationally when needed – this is very much a hands-on role.
  • Building great relationships with customers, shipping lines, overseas agents and suppliers.
  • Helping the team find practical solutions when things don’t quite go to plan.
  • Sharing ideas and contributing to the future growth of the business.
  • Working closely with the owners and gradually developing the skills and experience needed to take the next step into branch management.

What Our Client Is Looking For:

  • A solid background in freight forwarding, particularly ocean freight imports and exports.
  • Previous supervisory or management experience, or the confidence and ability to take that next step.
  • Someone who enjoys being part of a smaller team and isn’t afraid to roll their sleeves up.
  • A friendly, approachable personality and a natural ability to get along with colleagues and customers.
  • Good commercial awareness and an understanding of what makes a freight forwarding business successful.
  • A practical, common-sense approach to solving problems.
  • Most importantly, someone with the ambition to grow with the company and potentially move into a Branch Manager role.

You don’t need to be a corporate-style manager with all the buzzwords. We’re much more interested in someone who knows freight forwarding, treats people well, takes pride in their work and wants to build something for the future.

What’s on Offer:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package, depending on experience.
  • Genuine progression towards Branch Manager in the medium term.
  • The opportunity to join an established, independent and privately owned freight forwarder.
  • A friendly, supportive environment where you’re treated as an individual, not just another employee number.
  • Direct access to the business owners and the opportunity to have a real say in how things develop.
  • A varied, hands-on position with plenty of autonomy.
  • The chance to play an important part in the next stage of the company’s growth.
  • Less corporate bureaucracy and more focus on doing a great job for customers.

If you’re an experienced freight forwarding professional who likes the idea of working for a smaller, independent business, where your contribution genuinely matters and there’s a clear opportunity to progress, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch with Blue Rocket Recruitment for a confidential, informal chat. Even if you’re not actively looking, this could be one worth hearing about.