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 London
As the UK’s capital and largest city, it should come as no surprise that London offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking procurement, logistics and supply chain jobs.
Indeed, there’s something for everyone in the Big Smoke, and while the soot and pollution that gave the city its nickname during the Industrial Revolution have mostly disappeared, there are plenty of reminders of days gone by - such as the warehouses and docks that line the Thames.
If you're looking for a Head of Freight job in London, the city offers something for everyone. And, although the capital is known for its high cost of living, most employers take this into account when setting wages - in most cases, the so-called London allowance will add between £3,000 and £4,000 to your salary.
Whether your sector of choice is financial, media, retail, electronics, medical, manufacturing, telecommunications, transport, automotive or even government or defence, London has it.
From Ford to Sony, Barclays to Metro Newspapers and Sainsbury’s to Warburtons, the list of British, European and international firms that call London home goes on and on.
And don’t forget the companies that specialise in moving people and parcels around. With organisations like the Port of London and Transport for London, several international airports and trains that depart to domestic and international destinations, it takes a lot of people to keep London moving smoothly.
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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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