Reefer Country Manager

Your Role

As a key member of the UK Sea Logistics Leadership Team, you will be responsible for developing and managing the UK Reefer Sea Logistics strategy across a wide range of industries. Acting as the subject matter expert, you will oversee all aspects of Reefer and Healthcare Sea Logistics, ensuring deep market knowledge and expertise in these areas. You will drive the growth of the UK Reefer business by fostering strong relationships with key overseas partners through consistent, structured interactions. This will include regular domestic travel and occasional international trips to support partner engagement and market development.

Your focus will be on the overall growth of Reefer products, both in terms of volume (TEU) and profitability (GP), aligning with national targets.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the development and follow-up of sales leads for strategic and global new business opportunities.
• Manage the Reefer Division, taking full ownership of the P&L, volume targets, and profitability.
• Oversee the collection and dissemination of key market intelligence, ensuring relevant information reaches all stakeholders within Sea Logistics.
• Strengthen and maintain relationships with overseas partners, driving pipeline development and collaboration.
• Ensure operational excellence across all Reefer products, aligning customer needs with supplier sourcing and managing operational performance.
• Onboard and maintain suppliers to meet key client requirements, including a robust carrier selection and management program.
• Regularly review market sector strategies, identify new business opportunities, and evaluate value creation for both the company and clients.
• Collaborate closely with the Global Sea Logistics Reefer Management team to ensure the achievement of agreed-upon targets.
• Ensure client requirements are met profitably, aligning them with operational objectives and service KPIs, supported by regular client KPI updates and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Coordinate and manage sales and purchasing conditions for key clients, focusing on profitability analysis and improvement through innovative solutions.
• Respond proactively to key client service requirements and resolve issues promptly.
• Travel nationally and internationally as needed to support business development and nurture relationships with overseas partners.
• Mentor and develop a team of 10 direct reports, preparing them for future career opportunities and leadership roles.

Your Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in Sea Logistics, with strong commercial acumen and business expertise.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to problem-solve and lead effectively.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships at senior levels and collaborate across teams.
• Outstanding time management, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines while maintaining effective communication in English (both written and spoken).
• Resilience in managing change, embracing new technologies, and quickly adapting to new processes.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, combined with a sound financial understanding and commercial awareness.
• Willingness to travel and a valid driving license.