Operations Manager in Colnbrook, Berkshire

OPERATIONS MANAGER - LOGISTICS & FREIGHT FORWARDING

Salary: £45,000 - £65,000 per annum
Location: Colnbrook
Reporting to: General Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a high-caliber, hands-on Operations Manager to direct our freight forwarding department. The successful candidate will drive the daily consolidation, execution, and strategic management of our full load and European/Irish groupage export services. This pivotal role requires an operationally focused leader capable of optimizing fleet schedules, elevating key client relationships, and ensuring rigorous customs compliance.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Leadership: Direct logistics planners, transport teams, and warehouse personnel to maximize depot productivity and throughput.
• Freight & Fleet Optimization: Oversee vehicle and trailer planning for scheduled domestic and European groupage routes to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Commercial Strategy: Act as the primary escalation point for corporate accounts, managing complex pricing structures and safeguarding payload margins.
• Compliance Management: Partner with internal Customs Clearance Specialists to guarantee all import/export controls comply with international regulatory frameworks.
• * Performance Analysis: Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) relating to transit times, depot efficiency, and fiscal performance.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience within a senior freight forwarding, logistics, or depot management capacity.
• Industry Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of UK-European road freight, ocean freight, and express groupage infrastructure.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Robust operational understanding of post-Brexit customs procedures, transit documentation, and compliance protocols.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced capability utilizing Logistics Management Systems (LMS), supply chain analytics software, and data tracking tools.
• Preferred Attribute: Experience navigating UK-Ireland supply chains, Irish Sea transit, or Republic of Ireland customs protocols is highly advantageous.