Freight Team Lead

As a Freight Team Lead, you will be a key member of our logistics function, responsible for both hands-on execution of global freight operations and the day-to-day leadership of a small team of Freight Executives.

This role suits an experienced freight professional who enjoys remaining operationally involved while taking ownership of workload management, standards, coaching, and continuous improvement within the team. You will play a critical role in ensuring shipments are compliant, cost-effective, and delivered on time in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Freight Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and execute end-to-end global freight movements (Air, Sea, and Road), including imports, exports, and cross-trades across Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, carriers, and couriers to obtain quotations, negotiate rates, and book shipments in line with operational and commercial requirements.
• Proactively manage in-transit issues, resolve exceptions, and implement solutions to minimise disruption, delays, and additional costs.
• Act as a subject matter expert for complex or high-risk shipments, providing escalation support to the wider team.

Trade Compliance & Documentation

• Prepare, review, and oversee the completion of all shipping documentation, including Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists.
• Ensure documentation and compliance requirements are correctly identified for destination countries, coordinating with internal teams and external partners to secure certificates such as EUR1, COO, Health Certificates, and Certificates of Conformity.
• Maintain robust document control processes, ensuring accurate uploading, archiving, and audit readiness across all shipments.
• Support the team in maintaining best practice for customs compliance and Incoterms application.

Team Leadership & Day-to-Day Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership for a small team of Freight Executives, ensuring workloads are prioritised effectively and service levels are consistently met.
• Allocate work across the team, balancing operational demand, deadlines, and individual capability.
• Act as the first point of escalation for operational issues, providing guidance, decision-making, and support.
• Coach and develop team members through regular feedback, knowledge sharing, and on-the-job training.
• Support onboarding and training of new starters, ensuring consistent ways of working and documentation standards.

Stakeholder Communication & Systems Management

• Serve as a senior point of contact for shipment-related enquiries, providing clear, timely updates to internal stakeholders including Supply Chain, Sales, and B2B Operations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers.
• Ensure high levels of data accuracy and integrity within the Transport Management System (TMS), leading by example and validating team inputs where required.
• Identify process gaps or inefficiencies and work with stakeholders to implement practical improvements.

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong, hands-on experience in global import/export operations, customs formalities, and Incoterms.
• Demonstrable experience producing and managing a wide range of shipping and customs documentation.
• Previous experience within an international retailer, manufacturer, or 3PL environment is highly advantageous.
• Prior experience leading, mentoring, or acting as a senior/lead within a freight or logistics team is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

• Leadership & Ownership: Confident leading a small team while remaining operationally hands-on.
• Exceptional Communication: Able to manage high volumes of correspondence with internal and external stakeholders clearly and professionally.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, compliance, and system accuracy.
• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to prioritise workloads, manage multiple shipments, and resolve issues under pressure.
• Systems Proficiency: Strong user of TMS platforms and MS Office, including Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIFS).

 

Benefits

Career Development

• Access bespoke development programmes designed by our in-house L&D team.
• Continued development through our upskilling programme delivered with an industry-leading training provider.

Enhanced Leave

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Your birthday off – on us.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (subject to length of service).
• Up to 10 days compassionate leave.
• Option to buy back up to 3 days each year.
• 2 days volunteer leave after 12 months’ service.

Wellbeing Support

• Access to face-to-face and virtual appointments with our in-house GP.
• Access to our in-house CBT therapist.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (Bupa).
• State-of-the-art on-site gym and physio services.

Other Perks

• Save up to 12% on personal tech through our salary sacrifice scheme.
• Subsidised bus pass from Manchester City Centre to our ICON office.
• Up to 50% staff discount on THG brands.
• On-site staff shop and barber.
• Refer a friend and earn up to £1,000.
• Anniversary gifts at 5 and 10 years’ service.