Branch Manager - Ocean Freight

Why Join Crane Worldwide Log****istics?

At Crane Worldwide Logistics, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are a global logistics provider with operations in more than 30 countries, delivering innovative supply chain solutions to some of the world's leading organisations.

We offer a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where your ideas are valued, your contributions are recognised, and your career development is supported. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, take on new challenges, or develop your leadership skills, Crane provides the opportunity to build a rewarding and successful career with a company that is committed to excellence, integrity, and putting people first.

***MUST HAVE PERMISSION TO RESIDE AND WORK IN GERMANY***

The Branch Manager – Ocean Freight is responsible for the overall fiscal performance, operational leadership, and strategic direction of the ocean freight branch. This role ensures efficient import and export operations, drives revenue growth, and maintains high levels of customer service and compliance with international shipping regulations.

The Branch Manager leads the Ocean Freight operation, overseeing import and export activities, commercial development, financial performance, people leadership, and continuous improvement. Working closely with regional leadership, the role is accountable for delivering sustainable growth while ensuring compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and customer expectations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & People Management

• Provide visible leadership to all branch employees, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance.
• Lead, coach and develop managers and operational teams.
• Recruit, retain and develop talented employees.
• Conduct performance reviews, manage employee development plans and address employee relations matters.
• Foster a positive, safe and inclusive working environment.

Operational & Customer Growth

• Develop strong relationships with key customers.
• Support business development activities and identify new commercial opportunities.
• Increase customer retention through exceptional service delivery.
• Work closely with Sales to grow market share within the Hamburg region.
• Ensure customer issues are resolved quickly and professionally.

Commercial & customer Growth.

• Develop strong relationships with key customers.
• Support business development activities and identify new commercial opportunities.
• Increase customer retention through exceptional service delivery.
• Work closely with Sales to grow market share within the Hamburg region.
• Ensure customer issues are resolved quickly and professionally

Financial Management

• Take full ownership of the branch Profit & Loss.
• Monitor revenue, margins and operational costs.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Review financial reports and forecasts.
• Implement action plans to achieve budget and financial targets.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with customs regulations, international trade requirements and transport legislation.
• Ensure adherence to ISO standards, AEO requirements and other regulatory obligations.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, security and quality.

Carrier & Supplier Management

• Build strong strategic relationships with shipping lines, NVOCCs and overseas partners.
• Negotiate competitive pricing and service agreements.
• Monitor supplier performance and service quality.
• Develop alternative routing and carrier solutions to maximise customer value.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse operational performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive automation and process efficiencies.
• Support implementation of new technologies and operational initiatives.
• Share best practices across the regional network.

Essential Skills & Competencies

Leadership

• Proven ability to inspire and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent decision-making capability.
• Ability to lead through change.

Commercial

• Strong commercial awareness.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify business opportunities.

Operational

• Extensive knowledge of international ocean freight operations.
• Strong understanding of Incoterms, customs procedures and international trade.
• Experience managing complex logistics operations.

Personal Attributes

• Results driven.
• Highly organised.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong analytical ability.
• Resilient under pressure.
• Solution focused.

Education & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business or related discipline (preferred).
• Minimum 7 years' experience within international freight forwarding.
• Minimum 5 years in a management position.
• Proven experience managing a branch or operational business unit.
• Strong financial and P&L management experience.
• Experience leading customer-focused operational teams.

Success Measures

Performance in this role will be measured against:

• Branch profitability
• Revenue growth
• Gross profit
• Customer satisfaction
• Operational KPIs
• Employee engagement
• Compliance performance
• Health & Safety performance
• Quality and service delivery
• Employee retention and development

Recruitment Agency Notice

Recruitment agencies should only submit candidates where they have been specifically engaged by Crane Worldwide Logistics for the relevant vacancy. Unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles submitted without prior written authorisation will not be accepted and shall not create any contractual or financial obligation on the part of Crane Worldwide Logistics. The Company reserves the right to pursue any candidate submitted in this manner without payment of any recruitment fee.