Branch Manager - Sharjah (Freight Forwarding/Logistics)

Location: Sharjah

Job Purpose: The Branch Manager for a Freight Forwarding branch office is responsible for overseeing and managing all operational and administrative aspects of the branch. This position requires strong leadership skills, excellent knowledge of freight forwarding operations, and the ability to effectively manage a team.

The Branch Manager plays a critical role in driving business growth, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining efficient operations within the branch.

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to a team of approximately six staff members, including recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively, ensuring efficient resource allocation and workload distribution.

Operations Management:

• Support in setting up the branch resources, systems and processes.
• Oversee and coordinate all operational activities within the branch, including import/export processes, customs clearance, documentation, logistics, and transportation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, industry standards, and company policies and procedures.
• Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics, implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Sales:

• Develop and implement strategies to achieve branch-specific sales targets and contribute to the overall growth of the organization.
• Identify new business opportunities, build relationships with clients and partners, and expand the customer base.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop effective marketing and promotional initiatives to increase market share and revenue.

Customer Service:

• Maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction, ensuring that services are delivered promptly, accurately, and according to customer requirements.
• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner, resolving issues to maintain positive client relationships.
• Conduct regular customer meetings to understand their evolving needs and provide appropriate solutions.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the branch's annual budget, closely monitoring expenses and revenue to ensure financial targets are met.
• Review and analyze financial reports, identifying areas for improvement and implementing cost-saving measures where possible.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure accurate and timely billing, invoicing, and financial reconciliation.

Qualifications/Educational and Skills requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Relevant professional certifications are a plus.

EXPERIENCE

Proven track record and recent experience (7+ years) in freight forwarding, logistics or a similar industry with a solid understanding of import/export procedures, customs regulations and transportation logistics is a must. Minimum of 5 years experience in Sales

Definite asset:

At least 3 years of experience in managing a branch office

SKILLS

Leadership skills

Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team in a dynamic work environment.

Organization & Problem Solving skills

Results-driven mindset with a focus on achieving targets and driving business growth. Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Communication

Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate with clients, carriers, other forwarders, vendors. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic.