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 Cheshire
A ceremonial county in the North West of England, Cheshire is situated on the River Mersey and is home to a number of cities and towns, including Chester, Warrington, Widnes, Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Macclesfield.
For hundreds of years, the region has been known for its production of cheese, salt, chemicals and textiles - especially woven silk - while agriculture has also provided a longstanding boost to the area's economy.
During the Industrial Revolution, Cheshire experienced significant growth, particularly due to the fact that the Manchester Ship Canal and other such waterways pass through the area.
In addition, Crewe held a prominent position in the country's railroad industry, as it was the location of a major junction, as well as the Crewe Railway Works, a leading producer of locomotives.
These days, Cheshire is home to a vast number of companies, making it an ideal choice for those seeking Head of Freight vacancies.
Salt mining and chemicals are still an important part of Cheshire's economy, with companies like British Salt, Ineos and Brunner Mond, as well as the Stanlow Refinery at Ellesmere Port.
Meanwhile, other industries gained prominence - like bio-technology, financial services, ICT and manufacturing.
Just some of the big names you'll find in the region include Jaguar, Vauxhall, Bentley, Mornflake, United Utilities and Pets at Home. In addition, Woodford Aerodrome is a facility of BAE Systems that has produced aircraft ranging from passenger jets to military bombers.
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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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