Route Manager

Route Manager - Hemel Hempstead

Think Specialist Recruitment are working with a leading global freight forwarder to recruit a Route Manager for their UK airfreight team. You'll deliver procurement and carrier management strategies that balance cost, capacity and service, working closely with operations teams, stations, gateways and airline partners.

This is a commercial role rather than an operational one. You'll secure the best pricing, protect capacity, manage airline relationships and give the wider UK network the market insight it needs to win and deliver business.

This position is a fully office based role working in our clients Hayes site, on offer is a salary from £40k+ per annum dependent on experience which could see the successful candidate secure a salary in the late 40's, along with an annual bonus scheme.

The role

Deliver the airfreight procurement strategy, supporting the airline relationships that sit behind it

Secure the best pricing through contract and spot buying

Plan consolidations and protect capacity, working directly with operations and stations

Optimise consolidations and control volume paid

Take commercial ownership of gateway shipments, consolidations and some back-to-back shipments

Define and manage internal rates

Analyse the market and customer demand to balance supply and demand

Monitor carrier performance using internal reports and take corrective action locally or escalate where needed

Provide market information, guidance and support to the wider UK network

Make sure all activity meets compliance and code-of-conduct requirements, including anti-corruption

Contribute to the continuous improvement programme

About you

Strong commercial understanding of the airfreight industry, with around five years' experience preferred

Excellent negotiation skills, with a track record of securing results with carriers or suppliers

Excellent communication skills, internally and externally

Good operational understanding of how airfreight moves, and the confidence to challenge when needed

Able to build strong relationships with suppliers and colleagues

A strong problem solver and results driven, with a positive "can do" attitude

Customer focused, and a good team player

Good IT awareness, with confidence in analysing performance data and reports

Looking for the next step in your career?

Think Specialist Recruitment is an independent support staff recruitment agency based in Hemel Hempstead, working across Herts, Beds and Bucks. We specialise in permanent, temporary and contract recruitment across administration, customer service, HR, finance, sales support, marketing and IT support