We are currently recruiting on behalf of an established and successful freight forwarding business specialising in express European road transport and time-critical freight solutions.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a small, supportive and fast-paced operations team where you will play a key role in winning new business, developing existing customer relationships and coordinating urgent European road freight movements from quote through to delivery.
The Role
As a Road Freight Sales & Customer Service Operative, you will be responsible for responding quickly and professionally to customer enquiries, identifying the best transport solution and securing business through effective communication and negotiation.
You'll need to be commercially minded, confident speaking to customers and suppliers, and able to thrive in an environment where speed, accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Respond promptly to customer enquiries by telephone and email, providing quotes for urgent European road freight movements.
- Understand customer requirements and identify the most appropriate transport solutions.
- Source available vehicles and transport capacity across the UK and Europe.
- Negotiate with transport suppliers to secure competitive rates and suitable solutions.
- Use your sales and negotiation skills to win business and maximise margins.
- Build strong, long-term relationships with both new and existing customers.
- Develop repeat business by providing consistently high levels of customer service.
- Accurately assess and plan shipments, including vehicle requirements, collection locations, delivery destinations and transit times.
- Maintain accurate records of supplier performance and contribute to improving transport solutions.
- Coordinate consignments from booking through to successful delivery.
- Monitor shipments and proactively resolve any issues that arise.
- Check relevant transport documentation and ensure regulatory requirements are met.
- Assess customs requirements and coordinate with relevant agents where necessary.
- Maintain accurate and timely computer records and update internal transport systems.
- Work closely with colleagues to achieve team and commercial objectives.
- Participate in an out-of-hours weekend on-call rota following successful completion of training.
About You
We're looking for someone who has proven experience within road freight, freight forwarding, logistics sales or a similar fast-paced transport environment.
You will ideally be someone who enjoys the commercial side of logistics and is motivated by winning business, negotiating effectively and developing strong customer relationships.
You should have:
- Previous experience in a fast-paced, target-driven sales or customer service role within freight/logistics.
- Excellent customer service skills and a confident telephone manner.
- Strong sales and negotiation abilities.
- The ability to build rapport and develop professional relationships quickly.
- A driven, enthusiastic and tenacious approach.
- Excellent attention to detail and a highly organised working style.
- The ability to work effectively under pressure and respond quickly to changing requirements.
- Good geographical knowledge, particularly across the UK and Europe.
- Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office and web-based systems.
- Good keyboard skills and the ability to input information quickly and accurately.
- A positive, supportive and team-focused attitude.
Desirable – But Not Essential
- Experience dealing with European road freight.
- Knowledge of European geography.
- Knowledge of customs procedures relating to European trade.
- Additional European language skills.
What's On Offer?
- £28,000 – £32,000 basic salary, depending on experience.
- 6-monthly bonuses linked to company profitability.
- Additional payment for weekend on-call duties.
- Full training and ongoing support.
- Mobile phone and laptop provided for weekend on-call duties.
- The opportunity to develop your career within an established and growing freight forwarding business.
- A supportive, close-knit working environment.
- The opportunity to make a genuine commercial impact and share in the success of the business.
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, with an 8.5-hour working day including a 30-minute lunch break, generally between 08:30 and 17:00.
Following training, you will also participate in a remote weekend on-call rota, approximately one weekend every two months, with additional payment provided.
Interested?
If you have experience within road freight, freight forwarding, logistics sales or transport customer service and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to find out more about this exciting opportunity
Salary description
£28000.00 - £32000.00 per year