Role: Global Freight Manager
Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid, 3 days onsite)
Company Overview
Driving innovation between fashion and technology, FINESSE is pioneering a new paradigm within the fashion industry that is more efficient, faster and more sustainable. Similarly to how a hedge fund would analyze stock performance and hedge its bets, FINESSE utilizes advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence on social & proprietary data to determine what styles will be trending next and the exact quantity to produce. Leading an era of predictive fashion, FINESSE’s algorithmic underpinnings allow for the creation of best-in-class products brought to market faster than the competition and done so more affordably and ethically. Instead of overproducing garments by the tonnes and coating the industry in garments no one ever asked for, FINESSE produces what is wanted, when it is wanted, eliminating the fashion industry’s footprint as the second largest polluter in the world.
Our Culture
Nestled between both the right and left brain, the FINESSE team consists of both an engineering and a creative culture, synthesizing two areas that have long remained separated. The FINESSE culture is one of excellence and dedication, of dreamers & doers. We envision the next age of fashion & consumer and then get to work to implement it, always thinking innovatively to create real change.
The Role
We are seeking a highly organised and commercially minded Global Freight Manager to oversee the movement of international import shipments from global vendors to our distribution centres. This role will manage freight flows across sea, air, road, and rail, working closely with our suppliers, freight forwarders, and internal teams to ensure cost-effective, timely, and compliant delivery of goods. You will negotiate directly with freight forwarders and carriers, drive process improvements, and ensure scalability as FINESSE grows.
You’ll play a critical role in ensuring that our product reaches our DCs on time, supporting availability for key campaigns & launches as well as managing export shipments between DCs to balance inventory. The role is hands-on, fast-paced, and vital to our global logistics operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage end-to-end inbound freight operations from global vendors to multiple DCs, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.
* Directly manage and develop one logistics team member, with scope to expand as we scale.
* Liaise daily with freight forwarders, 3PLs, and carriers to book freight and track movements across sea, air, and road freight.
* Negotiate rates and contracts with all vendors and partners, ensuring best commercial outcomes.
* Monitor and optimise inbound shipping schedules, consolidations, and carrier performance to control costs and improve efficiency.
* Ensure all import/export shipments are compliant with customs regulations, managing documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
* Resolve shipment delays, customs issues, or port congestion challenges with a proactive and solution-driven approach.
* Work closely with production, planning, and warehouse teams to align delivery timelines with sales and launch plans.
* Track and report on key freight KPIs: transit time, landed cost per unit, carrier performance, and exceptions.
* Maintain clear and accurate freight cost records for finance and cost allocation purposes.
* Drive process improvements and support systems integration to reduce manual handling and improve freight visibility.
* Support systems integration to improve freight visibility and reduce manual processes.
Recommended Background
* 6-8+ years managing international freight/logistics, ideally in fashion, retail, or consumer goods.
* Strong knowledge of import/export processes, incoterms, customs clearance, and freight documentation.
* Experience negotiating and managing vendor relationships (forwarders, 3PLs, carriers).
* Exposure to managing or developing small teams.
* Experience with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and multi-modal transport providers.
* Familiar with freight management systems and ERP tools (SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, or similar).
* Strong communication and coordination skills; ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.
* Analytical mindset with the ability to work with freight data, generate reports, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
* Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a time-sensitive environment.
* Comfortable working in a fast-moving, fashion-led business with seasonal peaks and changing demand.
* Proactive problem solver who can work independently and handle operational issues as they arise.
What You’ll Love at FINESSE
* Being at the forefront of revolutionizing the fashion industry with AI-driven innovation.
* A close-knit, world-class team passionate about changing the face of fashion.
* A diverse and inclusive work environment that values individuality.
* Competitive benefits, including social insurances and generous allowances for meals, wellness and transportation.
Additional Information
* VC-Backed Startups That Stitch AI And Fashion Together See Strong Investor Interest
* ‘Zara Meets Netflix’—The Fashion House Where AI Removes Designers And Overstock
* The fashion industry’s business model is getting a tech-fueled makeover
* US brand Finesse uses AI and customer votes to determine designs
* These were the five largest retail funding rounds of 2023