Branch manager - Freight Forwarding

The Branch Manager is accountable for the overall performance, profitability, and operational leadership of the East Midlands freight forwarding branch. This role carries full P&L responsibility, ensuring the branch operates efficiently, grows revenue, delivers exceptional customer service, and aligns with Nippon Express strategic objectives.

The role requires a commercially astute leader capable of driving operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and strengthening the branch’s market position across air, ocean, and road freight services.

Branch Leadership

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing branch team across operations, customer service, and administration.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide visible, hands-on leadership within the branch.
• Ensure alignment with Nippon Express values, policies, and operational standards.

P&L Ownership

• Hold full responsibility for branch P&L performance.
• Deliver against revenue, margin, and cost targets.
• Monitor and control branch overheads and operational costs.
• Produce and present monthly financial performance reports and forecasts.
• Identify and implement cost-efficiency initiatives and productivity improvements.

Commercial Performance

• Drive branch growth through customer retention, development, and new business collaboration with sales teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers and strategic partners.
• Ensure pricing discipline and margin protection across all freight products.
• Support regional and national commercial strategy execution.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure efficient and compliant freight forwarding operations across air, ocean, and road.
• Maintain high standards of service delivery, compliance, and process consistency.
• Monitor KPIs, service levels, and operational productivity.
• Address operational risks proactively.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the senior Nippon Express representative for the East Midlands branch.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, Sales, and Product teams.
• Provide regular performance updates to UK leadership.

Skills & Experience

• Proven branch or operations leadership experience within freight forwarding or logistics
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with P&L responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams
• Experience managing multi-modal freight operations
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capability
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Results-driven leadership style

Leadership Profile

• A visible and credible leader
• Commercially driven and financially accountable
• Operationally strong and performance focused
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced logistics environment
• Able to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution

To apply for this role or to have a confidential discussion, please contact:
Ali Gill
HR Director UK & Ireland
Nippon Express (UK) Ltd
[email protected]