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.