Branch Manager - Start up

Branch Manager - Freight Forwarding (Start-Up) - Birmingham - Up to £50,000 plus profit share

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Branch Manager to lead the establishment and growth of a new freight forwarding branch in Birmingham.

This is a start-up leadership opportunity requiring a hands-on approach with a strong sales and operational background in freight forwarding, and a proven track record within the automotive sector.

The successful candidate will be responsible for building the branch from the ground up - developing revenue, securing key accounts, establishing operational structure, recruiting staff, and delivering sustainable profitability.

This is a high-autonomy role suited to an entrepreneurial freight professional who thrives on ownership and accountability.

Job type:
Full time/permanent

Location:

Birmingham

Package: £50,000 plus Car allowance/Company car and profit share

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Sales Leadership

Develop and execute a branch growth strategy
Secure new business, with a focus on automotive supply chain clients
Leverage existing industry relationships to generate revenue
Negotiate rates with carriers and partners
Build long-term customer partnerships

Operational Management

Oversee daily freight forwarding operations
Ensure service delivery meets automotive sector expectations (JIT, JIS, time-critical movements)
Maintain compliance with customs and international trade regulations
Implement SOPs and performance standards

Branch & Team Development

Over time with success, you'll recruit, lead, and develop branch staff
Establish structure, accountability, and performance KPIs
Manage P&L responsibility and cost control
Build a high-performance culture from inception

Strategic Responsibility

Identify opportunities for vertical growth within automotive logistics
Align branch strategy with wider business objectives

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proven freight forwarding professional who:

Has significant experience in freight forwarding (sales and operations) for a UK base freight forwarder
Has strong sector knowledge within automotive logistics
Brings an existing customer network within the Midlands / UK automotive sector
Has experience managing P&L and driving profitability
Demonstrates strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
Has prior leadership or branch management experience (or ready to step up)
Is entrepreneurial, resilient, and comfortable building from scratch

Ideal Background

Time-critical, JIT/JIS logistics experience
Experience working with OEM supply chains
Customs knowledge (UK/EU and global trade lanes)
WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit in the UK & USA for permanent jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy