Head of Sea

**Head of Sea & Air Freight Operations**

Fasttrack Resources are proud to be working in partnership with a prestigious client who, due to continured growth, are looking to recruit for a **Head of Sea & Air Freight Operations **to join their team on a full time, permanent basis.

My client are a successful Freight Forwarding company and this is a great opportunity to grow within a modern, forward-thinking business. We are looking for an individual to be truly instrumental in leading and driving the development of our Sea & Air Freight offering. Somebody who will bring a fresh pair of eyes into the Team, increase capability and capacity and benefit from development opportunities.

Ideally, I am looking for an upbeat, motivated, tenacious character to bring fresh ideas to my clients team.

**About the role**:

- £50,000 - £65,000
- Salary negotiable depending on experience
- **Monday to Friday**

**Overview of Head of Sea & Air Freight Operations**:
The successful applicant with further develop the sea and air freight through focus on Operations, Sales, People, Systems, and Culture in adherence to the company’s policy and procedures. They will challenge every aspect of the sea & air freight operations, in a bid for change / improvement.

They will be responsible for the overall delivery of operational activities within the sea & air freight department, in accordance with targets set, to contribute to achievement of the company vision and overall business objectives, reaching targets/KPIs set year on year. Consistently perform to high quality standards.

**Responsibilities**:

- Develop a team of operators - show them a career, not just a job
- Collaborate with Sea & Air Freight Development Manager
- Conduct agile performance management and continuous professional development
- Oversee the management of the sea & air freight team
- Ensure that productivity and profitability goals for team are met
- Have a fundamental understanding of our operational systems
- Be responsible for the training and development of operators
- Develop relationships with the "core" carriers
- Develop joint local strategies with the carriers to ensure our account base is satisfied and our value to the carrier increases
- Provide local market feedback on carriers to the Head of Operations
- Review, understand and focus on improving department freight yields.
- Ensure company credit procedures are followed and utilized effectively.
- Lead the sea & air freight sales effort including joint calls with sales team
- Have a thorough understanding of local market pricing conditions
- Have a thorough understanding of and personal involvement with the top 10 customers
- Manage all sea freight business within the company after transition from sales
- Oversee the bid/quotation process
- Train, educate, and assist sales staff on sea freight product, through joint sales calls
- Participate in the regular sales meeting
- Promote compliance in diligently following all company policies and regulations and in being the role model of integrity and pride for all team.
- Proactively communicate with the team to ensure continuous awareness and understanding of policies and regulations.
- Maintain a positive relationship with the departmental managers and support all compliance efforts and trainings.
- Be open to implementing new system changes and enhancements into your team.
- Be involved and suggest system/process improvements.
- Set the tone of this environment within your department.

**What we are looking for**:

- 5+ years’ experience in Sea & Air Freight Management
- Expert knowledge of Sea & Air Freight quotations, pricing, facilitation
- Customs knowledge across sea & air freight
- Knowledge of all sea & air freight areas (bulk, breakbulk, LCL, FCL containers, RoRo, general cargo)
- Strong market and competition knowledge
- Effective interpersonal skills, including proven abilities to listen, comprehend, effectively communicate clearly and concisely to obtain positive results.
- Good Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word etc.)
- Negotiation skills
- Influencing skills

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
- Wellness programme

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Bonus scheme
- Yearly bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Lichfield: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- Sea & Air Freight Management: 5 years (preferred)
- Operations Management: 5 years (preferred)
- Management: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Reference ID: HSAF - ST