Freight Manager

To lead and manage end-to-end transport and logistics operations across the UK and all other CMS territories, including carrier selection, contract negotiation, freight tenders, and cost control. Act as the key interface between CMS (including subsiduries), freight service providers, customers and vendors, to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective delivery solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance DIFOT performance, customer satisfaction, international trade compliance, and overall logistics cost effectiveness.Role ResponsibilitiesKey Role ResponsibilitiesPlan, schedule, and evaluate ‘glocal’ logistics operations, coordinating with internal teams, customers, vendors, 3PLs, and carriers to align activities with strategic goals and ensure timely, complete deliveries.Source, evaluate, and manage transport providers (bulk, pallets, parcels) across the UK and all CMS territories, using market knowledge to negotiate competitive terms, secure service reliability, and support growth.Lead freight tenders using a structured approach to secure best-value contracts that meet operational and financial requirements.Own air and sea freight strategy, leveraging deep knowledge of trade lanes, rates, and Incoterms to ensure compliant, cost-effective international movements.Ensure compliance with import/export regulations and Dangerous Goods requirements, working closely with logistics partners and customs authorities to avoid delays and maintain safety standards.Establish and implement logistics best practices, policies, and planning principles to drive continuous improvement and efficiency.Own the CMS freight accrual process, forecasting and reconciling logistics costs to support financial reporting and budget integrity.Analyse freight invoices and recover overcharges, ensuring accuracy across fixed and spot-rate agreements.Monitor and report on logistics KPIs such as DIFOT and cost-per-shipment, generating actionable insights to support stakeholder decisions and budget goals.Benchmark provider performance and analyse logistics trends to identify risks, drive improvements, and optimise cost and service levels.Collaborate with logistics partners to enhance data visibility, support EDI integration, and streamline information flow.Support the onboarding of new vendors and customers, aligning logistics requirements to ensure seamless integration and operational readiness.Proactively identify and resolve logistics challenges, delivering solutions that meet service standards and budget targets.Champion continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives, targeting inefficiencies across inbound and outbound flows.Promote and uphold company values (POPE) in all logistics activities, fostering a high-performance, values-driven culture.Health and SafetyComply with the Health, Safety and Environmental PoliciesEnsure safety is paramount at all times to all visitors entering the warehouseMaintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the company, people and operationAdditional ResponsibilitiesSkills & Personal AttributesSkillsStrong planning and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects through to completion and to manage competing prioritiesSkilled in leveraging supply chain efficiencies through effective planningPrevious experience of Inbound and Outbound Logistics to include management of 3PL freight carrier service providersKnowledge of import and export legislative requirementsStrong IT systems knowledge including Microsoft Office and SAP systemsExperience of designing and implementing Standard Operating ProceduresExcellent analytical skills with the ability to analyse and manipulate technical and complex data and provide meaningful informationExcellent verbal and written communication skills (fluency in English is required) with the ability to form, develop and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholdersStrong commercial and financial acumen and awareness with excellent negotiation skills and a full understanding of the impact of failure in terms of business cost and customer order fulfilmentAttributesHighly motivated and proactive, demonstrating a positive, can-do attitude.Openly share information and communicate proactively across all levels.Resilient under pressure, capable of handling competing demands with composure, while effectively guiding the planning team through challenges.Challenge the status quo thoughtfully, aiming for solutions that benefit all parties.Leverage strong impact and influencing skills to drive positive outcomes across the organisation and with external partners, clients, and authorities.Identify and address obstacles, embracing and championing change to foster continuous improvement.Skilled in managing and resolving conflicts constructively, ensuring positive outcomes and minimising risks to the businessCMS believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce enriches and is integral to the success of our company. We value diverse opinions and perspectives, and therefore welcome candidates from all backgrounds including but not limited to, ethnicity, gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and neuro-diversity.Registered in England No. 2214562 | VAT No. GB125478505 | UK WEEE Reg No. WE/JB0057TS/PRO | IE WEEE Reg No. IE/00190/WB #J-18808-Ljbffr