Manager – Freight
Job Description
The Manager – Freight oversees all international and domestic freight operations for the Retail Discount business, ensuring goods are moved on time, cost-effectively, and in compliance with regulations. The role manages sea, air, and land transport strategies, balancing cost, speed, and service, while ensuring product availability in stores, reducing logistics costs, and supporting the business’s overall value proposition.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage freight strategies to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and flexible import and domestic shipments.
- Oversee daily freight operations, including booking, scheduling, and tracking shipments across sea, air, and land.
- Manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and logistics partners, ensuring compliance with contracts and service agreements.
- Ensure all shipments adhere to customs regulations, trade laws, and internal policies, coordinating clearance with brokers as needed.
- Monitor freight costs against budget, track key performance indicators, and analyze data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations, Finance, and IT teams to align freight plans with business requirements and enhance visibility.
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and technology solutions to increase freight efficiency and performance.
- Lead initiatives to optimize load utilization, reduce environmental impact, and apply best practices in freight operations.
Skill & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field; professional certifications such as CILT, FIATA, or APICS are preferred.
- Seven to ten years of experience in freight, logistics, or supply chain management, including at least three to four years in a managerial role.
- Strong experience in retail, FMCG, or discount/value retail operations.
- Proven expertise in managing international freight and customs processes, particularly within the Middle East.
- In-depth knowledge of freight forwarding, customs clearance, transport networks, and vendor negotiation.
- Proficient in logistics systems and MS Office, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
