Job Description
Branch Manager - Freight Forwarding (Start-Up) - London Heathrow - Up to £55,000 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 at London Heathrow.
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 AOG (Aircraft on Ground) and time critical logistics.
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: London Heathrow
Package: £40,000-£50,000 plus Car allowance/Company car and profit share
Commercial & Sales Leadership
- Develop and execute a branch growth strategy
- Secure new business, with a focus on AOG and time critical freight customers
- 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 time critical and AOG sector expectations
- Maintain compliance with customs and international trade regulations
- Implement SOPs and performance standards
Branch & Team Development
- Over time with success, recruit, lead, and develop branch staff
- Establish structure, accountability, and performance KPIs
- Manage P&L responsibility and cost control
- Build a high performance, service focused culture from inception
Strategic Responsibility
- Identify opportunities for vertical growth within urgent and AOG logistics
- Align branch strategy with wider business objectives
We are looking for a proven freight forwarding professional who:
- Has significant experience in freight forwarding (sales and operations) for a UK based freight forwarder
- Has strong sector knowledge within AOG / time critical logistics
- Brings an existing customer network relevant to urgent cargo
- 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
- Experience with urgent or AOG shipments
- Familiarity with airlines, MROs, and time critical logistics customers
- High pressure operational experience
- Customs knowledge (UK/EU and international freight)
