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 Worcester
History runs like a river through the city of Worcester, which is situated on the River Severn 23 miles (38 km) south east of Birmingham. It was a thriving town in Roman times and although it fell out of favour when the empire started to recede, its population had exploded by the middles ages, reaching around 10,000, a huge number in those days. Many of its medieval buildings survive to this day, but there would have been many more had they not been demolished in the rebuilding fervour of the 1950s and 1960s. It was also at Worcester that Oliver Cromwell’s army defeated Charles II’s, leading to England and Wales becoming a republic for a decade.
In more modern times Worcester was famous for is porcelain and glove making, both of which industries have all but disappeared now. Kays, of catalogue fame, was also founded in the city, but the company was bought out by rival Grattan’s owners. Today, the best known product from Worcester is Worcestershire sauce, a fish-based condiment made by Lee and Perrins (two chemists) in Worcester in the early 1800s.
Worcester does have a history of manufacturing, and some of this remains, but today it is a centre for retail and tourism, with many visitors flocking to the city to see its cathedral and its other medieval buildings. It is by far the largest town for 20 miles in any direction, so brings in plenty of visitors from the villages and towns in the surrounding area to do their shopping. The city lies just to the west of the M5, which links Birmingham, and the South East, and has good rail links. Worcester is therefore a good place to look for Head of Freight positions, and Cast UK do have such jobs available in the city and its surrounding area.
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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