Shipping & Carrier Manager

We are actively looking to engage proactive and analytical Shipping & Carrier Manager to join our Shipping & Supply Chain team based in Nottingham. This is an excellent opportunity for a shipping & procurement professional to develop their expertise in international sourcing, supplier management, and commodity purchasing. The new role as a Shipping & Carrier Manager is based in Nottingham on a hybrid basis!

Client Details

My client is a well-established and growing business with an annual turnover of approximately £175 million, specialising in the sourcing and supply of raw commodities from global markets. With an extensive international supplier network, the company imports key materials from regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply chain for its customers. You will join a close-knit team who play a key role in supporting the procurement of raw commodities—sourced from suppliers across the globe—ensuring continuity of supply, cost-effectiveness, and quality in line with company standards.

Job Description

As a Shipping & Carrier Manager you will report into the Operations Director on a daily basis. You will be responsible for the following areas for responsibility across the Nottinghamshire office:

• Shipping & Carrier Management: Manage inbound and outbound logistics, shipping arrangements, hauliers, freight forwarders and carrier relationships.

• Manage a team of 5x shipping co-ordinators and operational specialists.

• Raw Material Purchasing: Purchase commodities, food ingredients and production materials to meet business requirements.

• Supplier Management: Source, evaluate and negotiate with UK and international suppliers to secure competitive prices and reliable supply.

• Freight Procurement: Negotiate shipping rates, carrier contracts and transport terms to optimise cost and service.

• Supply Chain Planning: Coordinate deliveries with production schedules, stock requirements and warehouse capacity.

• Import & Export Compliance: Manage customs documentation, Incoterms, import procedures and relevant UK trade regulations.

• Monitor freight expenditure, purchasing costs and total landed costs, identifying cost-saving opportunities

• Identify supply chain risks, manage delays and develop alternative sourcing and transport solutions.

• Performance Management: Monitor supplier and carrier KPIs, including delivery reliability, cost efficiency and service levels.

• Cross-Functional Working: Collaborate with Procurement, Production, Quality, Warehousing and Finance teams to ensure continuity of supply.

• Continuous Improvement: Improve logistics efficiency, supplier performance, sustainability and purchasing processes across the agriculture and food supply chain.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have experience within the procurement market for commodities. The Shipping & Carrier Manager will have the following skills and experience:

• 3+ years’ experience in Shipping, Freight, Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics or Buying within the shipping or commodities industries

• Experience of pricing & planning ocean or road freight within a freight forwarding or supply chain environment.

• Knowledge of the food, ingredients and commodity categories would be advantageous.

• Excellent commercial acumen and analytical skills

• Ability to identify and evaluate suppliers based on requirements, price, quality, speed and service.

• Commutable to Nottinghamshire on a hybrid basis.

• Knowledge of shipping through various INCOTerms is extremely advantageous.

What's On Offer?

• £45,000-£63,000

• Annual bonus of circa 10%-25%

• 32 days annual leave

• Comprehensive company benefits account.

• Large opportunities to progress knowledge and job banding