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 Gosport
The natural harbour in the south of England, just north of the Isle of Wight, is home to one of the world's most famous ports, Portsmouth. Less well known but of equal importance is the town of Gosport, located just over the water to the east. The geography forms a pair of natural jaws that expand behind to Fareham Lake, much of which is navigable to large vessels, hence the superb maritime history of the area. Even in the Lake's shallower parts there is a thriving yachting and sailing scene, and the harbour always has hundreds if not thousands of small boats bobbing on its surface.
Much of Gosport's industry for hundreds of years has been reliant on and connected to seafaring, so the general decline in both military and civilian maritime life in the south of England has undoubtedly impacted on the area. It has had to diversify to survive, and although there are still many jobs in maritime-related positions, it does not have the dominance it once did. A large number of small businesses and a few districts where light industry dominates help keep the town going, and the population does grow slightly in summer to accommodate workers associated with recreational boating.
With Portsmouth directly to the east and the major port of Southampton 14 miles (23 km) to the north west, Gosport will always have important maritime links and this can be good news for anyone seeking Head of Freight positions. The town is also rather large, at 80,000 even out of the summer months, and large towns always have supply chain and logistics needs that are unconnected to industry. Although the port might not be what it once was, it still presents quite good opportunities.
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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