Senior Freight Forwarder
Location: North Bristol
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum + benefits
Overview
A market-leading logistics organisation, specialising in defence and government freight, is seeking a Senior Freight Forwarder to oversee and enhance its freight forwarding operations. The company delivers secure, mission-critical logistics solutions across the UK, Europe, and beyond, covering air, road, and ocean freight.
This role offers the opportunity to both manage day-to-day operations and drive strategic improvements. You will coordinate international shipments, lead system and process optimisation, and play a key role in shaping the future of the freight forwarding function.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Customer Service
* Manage international freight movements across air and road (essential) and sea (preferred).
* Plan routings and coordinate with carriers, agents, and partners.
* Prepare and manage accurate shipment documentation.
* Maintain high service standards, keeping customers informed and resolving issues promptly.
Customs, Trade and Security
* Prepare and verify customs and insurance documentation.
* Manage export controls, licence checks, and compliance requirements.
* Maintain full chain of custody for sensitive or restricted consignments.
Process Improvement, Systems and Automation
* Streamline, standardise, and optimise freight forwarding processes.
* Lead system use and improvements (Forward Solutions TMS or similar).
* Identify services suitable for insourcing or outsourcing.
Commercial and Leadership
* Monitor costs, margins, and supplier performance; negotiate competitive rates.
* Develop service playbooks and standard operating procedures.
* Contribute to forecasting, capacity planning, and commercial bids.
* Lead, coach, and support a small freight forwarding team.
Experience and Qualifications
Freight Forwarding Expertise
* 5-10+ years' experience in international air, road, and sea freight forwarding.
* Confident in handling exports, imports, and cross-trade movements.
* Experienced in managing time-sensitive or secure shipments.
* Background in defence or government logistics (preferred).
Customs and Trade Knowledge
* Experience preparing UK customs entries via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
* Strong understanding of Incoterms and their implications for cost and risk.
* Awareness of Dangerous Goods regulations; IATA/IMDG certification preferred.
Systems and Continuous Improvement
* Proficient in freight or transport management systems (e.g. Forward Solutions) and Excel.
* Capable of designing efficient workflows, templates, and reporting dashboards.
* Proven record of implementing process improvements and automation initiatives.
Behaviours and Credentials
* Clear, confident communicator who builds trust with customers, partners, and colleagues.
* Analytical, organised, and proactive, with a focus on resolving root causes.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between operational sites.
* Must be a British citizen or dual UK national (role subject to nationality restrictions and SC clearance).
Benefits and Opportunity
* Competitive salary up to £50,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
* 20 days holiday, increasing with length of service.
* Standard office hours: 9:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday.
* Opportunity to modernise and lead a critical logistics function.
* Stable, high-integrity working environment with long-term career potential.
WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit in the UK & USA for permanent jobs.
WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
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