Senior Multimodal Freight Forwarder – Import & Export
Location: Sunbury-on-Thames
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Progression: Succession Opportunity
A well-established SME freight forwarder in Sunbury is seeking a highly experienced and commercially aware freight professional to step into a senior-level import and export operations role. With the owners preparing to gradually step back from the day-to-day, this role offers a genuine opportunity to become a key successor within the business.
The Role:
You will take full operational ownership of multimodal freight forwarding activities across both import and export, managing a diverse customer base and a variety of cargo types. You’ll be the go-to expert internally, working closely with the directors, leading the small operations team, and ensuring exceptional service delivery from booking through to final mile.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage full-cycle import and export shipments across air, road, and sea freight
* Coordinate with carriers, 3PL partners, and clients to ensure seamless movement of goods
* Oversee customs processes, documentation, and compliance
* Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers
* Provide leadership, training, and direction to junior team members
* Work alongside the owners on strategic business direction and operational improvements
Candidate Profile:
* Minimum 7 years of hands-on freight forwarding experience, ideally within an SME
* Broad multimodal knowledge covering air, road, and sea freight
* Strong background in working with or managing 3PL services
* Commercially minded, with ambition to step into a leadership or succession role
* Adaptable, solutions-focused, and confident managing end-to-end operations
* Excellent communication and customer service skills
What’s on Offer:
* A varied, senior-level forwarding role with full operational responsibility
* The opportunity to play a pivotal role in the future of the business
* Close working relationship with the directors during the transition phase
* Long-term progression potential, including leadership or shareholding opportunities for the right person
* A supportive, down-to-earth team environment
If you’re a senior freight forwarder ready to take the next step and help shape the future of an independent and respected logistics business, I’d love to hear from you.