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 Walsall
Walsall has gone through countless changes through history, not least with its name, which was once Walesho, meaning valley of the Welsh speakers. It was also historically in Staffordshire, but is now part of the West Midlands metropolitan county, along with Birmingham and Wolverhampton, its neighbour in the west.
The population of Walsall, which had been a relatively small village, exploded during the Industrial Revolution, and it was an important coal mining, limestone quarrying, iron and brass founding and leatherworking centre. This latter trade is still associated with the town, hence the football club’s nickname The Saddlers. Modern industries include plastics, aircraft parts, chemicals and electronics. The RAC has its control centre nearby, as anyone who has travelled on the M6 will know. Recently the high street clothing and homeware store TK Maxx opened its regional depot there.
The town is particularly well served by the road and rail networks, which along with its location right in the centre of England, has opened up the opportunity for companies to locate their depots and warehouses in the area. This means that Head of Freight positions are frequently asked for by local employers. And like many towns and cities with strong links to Britain’s industrial past, there’s a workforce and work ethic to fulfil them.
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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