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Key Account Manager - Ocean Freight

Location: Hull

This role is initially expected to be fully on-site before transitioning to hybrid working

Salary: £35,000 - £55,000 dependant on experience

Reports to: Director of Key Accounts

Department: Logistics/ Supply Chain

About Us:

Sure Logistics is a leading provider of global logistics solutions, offering end-to-end services for supply chain optimisation. We specialise in freight forwarding, customs brokerage, warehousing, and distribution, with a strong focus on delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions to our clients. We partner with businesses to streamline their global shipping needs. Our team is dedicated to providing innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the dynamic demands of the international shipping industry and our commitment to excellence in customer service and operational efficiency makes us a trusted partner in international trade.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Key Account Manager specialising in Ocean Freight to join our expanding sales team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing key client relationships within the ocean freight sector, ensuring the highest levels of service and satisfaction. You will work closely with internal teams to provide tailored logistics solutions that meet clients' needs while maximising revenue opportunities.

This role requires an individual with excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the ocean freight industry, and a proven track record in account management and business development.

Key Responsibilities:

Account Management:
Serve as the main point of contact for key ocean freight accounts, developing and maintaining long-term relationships.
Understand clients' business objectives and provide strategic logistics solutions that align with their needs.
Monitor customer satisfaction and address issues in a timely and effective manner.
Business Development:
Identify opportunities for expanding services with existing clients, driving account growth through upselling and cross-selling additional services.
Develop and implement account-specific strategies to increase revenue, improve service delivery, and enhance customer loyalty.
Negotiation & Pricing:
Lead negotiations on ocean freight contracts, including rates, terms, and conditions, ensuring competitive pricing and service offerings.
Work with the pricing and procurement teams to ensure profitability while maintaining client satisfaction.
Operations Coordination:
Collaborate with internal teams, including operations, customer service, and logistics, to ensure timely and efficient execution of ocean freight shipments.
Monitor shipment performance and resolve any operational issues to maintain smooth service delivery.
Reporting & Analysis:
Prepare and deliver regular reports on account performance, including KPIs, shipping volumes, revenue, and profitability.
Analyse market trends and competitor activity to ensure that services are competitive and aligned with market demand.
Market Intelligence:
Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in the ocean freight and logistics sectors.
Provide insights and recommendations to clients on optimising their supply chains and reducing shipping costs.Key Requirements:

Experience:
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a key account management role, specifically within the ocean freight/logistics industry.
Strong understanding of ocean freight operations, including shipping terms (Incoterms), vessel scheduling, port operations, and customs clearance.
Skills:
Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of client organisations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
Ability to manage multiple high-value accounts and prioritise tasks effectively.
Proficiency in CargoWise FMS and MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
Qualifications:
Industry certifications (e.g., FIATA, IATA, etc.) are a plus.
Personal Attributes:
Strong customer orientation with a focus on delivering exceptional service.
Self-motivated, driven by results, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions