Assistant Trade Development Manager – Import Far East
Full time, permanent
We are looking for a confident and motivated individual with strong commercial awareness, who can lead and develop a high-performing team while managing day-to-day operations. You will be an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships across the UK, MSC Geneva and origin offices in Asia, and will thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to growth and strengthening MSC’s position in the UK import market.
How you will help us and what you can expect
1. Support the Trade Development Manager in the day-to-day commercial management of the Import Far East trade, identifying and capitalising on growth opportunities
2. Take ownership of customer engagement across BCO, NVO and freight forwarder segments, building strong commercial relationships that drive loyalty and volume
3. Organise and lead one-to-one meetings, team meetings and performance reviews, fostering a high-performance culture within the department
4. Define and review individual performance contracts in line with MSC standards, ensuring team members are developed, motivated and engaged
5. Build and maintain close working relationships with Far East origin agents, MSC Geneva Liner teams and key internal stakeholders across the UK business
6. Monitor market conditions, competitor activity and rate trends across the Far East to UK corridor, providing insight and recommendations to support commercial strategy
7. Assist with the preparation of reports, statistics, landed cost analysis and market research to support tender responses and business reviews
8. Support the coordination of rate strategy across to optimise revenue and utilisation
9. Attend internal and external meetings, customer visits and trade events, representing the department alongside or in the absence of the Trade Development Manager
10. Work closely with the Trade Development Manager to ensure agreed strategies are implemented effectively and commercial targets are achieved
Skills and experience you’ll bring to us
11. Proven ability to lead, develop and maximise the performance of a team in a fast-paced commercial environment
12. Experience within the container shipping, freight forwarding or wider logistics industry, import experience is highly desirable
13. Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of ocean freight pricing, rate structures and market dynamics
14. Confidence in engaging with customers, senior stakeholders and Director-level associates, including direct communication with Geneva principals
15. Experience in reporting, data analysis and compiling commercial statistics
16. Ability to influence, implement change and drive continuous improvement across the team
17. Resilient under pressure with the ability to prioritise workloads and deliver to tight deadlines
18. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a professional manner at all times
19. Knowledge of import processes would be a distinct advantage
20. Strong time management and organisational skills
What we offer
21. Competitive salary
22. Private Health Care for everyone from day 1 (non contractual)
23. Generous pension scheme
24. Life Assurance – 4x salary
25. 22 days + a day to take on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve
26. Free parking
27. On-site artisan restaurant
28. Discounted gym membership
29. Cycle to work scheme
30. Flu vaccines and eye care vouchers
31. Buy or sell holiday scheme
32. Christmas club saving
33. MSC Cruises friends and family discount
34. Full induction day and training provided
35. Learning and development opportunities
36. Dress for the day policy/modern office environment