Head of Freight
As logistics and supply operations grow bigger and travel further, it’s inevitable that they will also get more complex. And that’s when inefficiencies can start to creep in and the task can become overwhelmed with firefighting. That is, of course, unless there’s a good head of freight at the helm. Their job is to oversee the whole transport and logistics operation of a company, a region, a depot or a sector for a freight business.
Head of freight jobs come up regularly all over the world, and it’s no wonder why – a methodical, active philosophy to organising logistics, from the individual vehicle to the big strategic picture, keeps a logistics operation efficient and profitable. Look out for jobs called “Freight Forwarding Manager” or just “Freight Manager”, too, as they are usually similar roles, some of which are executive. In complex organisations the head of freight might well be overseeing a specific region, which can mean a county, a city, a country or a continent, depending on the nature of the business.
The skills required
The head of freight will have an excellent understanding of how supply chain interoperates, over sea, air, rail and road, and will understand how warehousing and fulfillment interact with last mile delivery and bulk logistics. Experience is key to filling this role at managerial level, so a proven track record in freight logistics is essential.
As head of freight, you’ll be occupying a position above the depot, driver and maintenance level, and possibly (but not necessarily) below board level, so you’ll need to be adept at communicating and understanding strategic instructions in both directions. You might be overseeing a small team of sub-managers, too, so high level managerial skills will come in handy.
Head of Freight Jobs in Aldershot
Aldershot is a town that has grown up around the British army. It was a small village surrounded by barely useable land until the Crimean War, when a military base was located there. Within a few years the population had exploded from less than a thousand to around 16,000, which is about half its current population. It is known as the home of the British Army, and several regiments are based there.
The Hampshire town is located about 30 miles (50 km) south west of the centre of London, 7 miles (12 km) west of Guildford and 16 miles (26 km) south east of Reading. It is at the centre of a large conurbation that takes in Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet and Camberley, and together the population is close to a quarter of a million. Immediately to the north of Aldershot is Farnborough, home of one of the UK’s most important air shows, which is both a trade fair for military and civilian aircraft and a public spectacle.
While Aldershot is dominated culturally and, to some extent, geographically by the barracks, there is a static population living in the town and its adjacent neighbours, and there is a diverse range of industry in the area. Logistics and Supply chain professionals looking for Head of Freight work should therefore find rich pickings in Aldershot. It’s well connected to the transport network, with the M3 passing to its north and a comprehensive rails service. And failing that, you might be able to hitch-hike on a tank.
Popular locations
Head of freight jobs at Cast UK
Head of freight is one of the commonest positions we fill at Cast UK, mainly because of our supply chain background and the relationships we have built up over the years in the industry.
If you’re at a business that’s looking for a head of freight right now, or you regularly need regional or sectoral heads of freight to oversee your supply chain operations, call 0333 121 3345 today so we can start filling your vacancies.
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