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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.
