Branch Manager - Freight Forwarding

The Role

A leading global logistics company with over 600 offices and 16,000 employees in 65 countries is opening a freight forwarding location in Chicago and is seeking an experienced Branch Manager to lead the launch and build the business.

The role will have responsibility for commercial growth, operations, profitability, and team development, with a strong focus on developing new customers and establishing a strong presence in the Chicago market.

Key Responsibilities

1. Launch and manage the Chicago freight forwarding Branch.
2. Drive new business, revenue, and profitability.
3. Develop relationships with customers, carriers and overseas offices.
4. Oversee air and ocean freight forwarding operations.
5. Manage P&L, budgets, KPIs, and overall branch performance.
6. Recruit and develop the local team.
7. Ensure excellent customer service, compliance, and operational standards.

The Ideal Candidate

1. 7+ years' experience in freight forwarding, ideally with management responsibility.
2. Proven track record in business development and sales.
3. Strong knowledge of air and ocean freight.
4. Experience managing a branch P&L.
5. Established customer and industry network in Chicago / Midwest highly desirable.
6. Entrepreneurial, commercially driven, and hands-on.
7. Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.

Opportunity

A fantastic opportunity to build a new freight forwarding operation from the ground up, with significant scope for growth and progression.

Salary: 170-180K depending on experience plus 20% Bonus.