Operations Director – Road Freight Logistics

About the role

This senior position will shape the operational backbone of a fast‑growing road freight forwarding business based in Kent. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will ensure service delivery, cost control and compliance consistently support commercial objectives and long‑term growth.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s operational strategy in line with overall business objectives.
• Align operational capability, structure and capacity with commercial growth plans.
• Lead, mentor and develop the operations management team to achieve consistent performance.
• Own end‑to‑end service delivery across all road freight forwarding operations.
• Oversee capacity planning, carrier performance and network utilisation.
• Control operational costs while maintaining service quality and reliability.
• Protect agreed pricing and margin targets through operational decisions.
• Drive continuous efficiency improvements across people, process and network.
• Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, customs procedures and company policies.
• Lead health & safety and quality standards across all operational activities.
• Support key customer relationships from an operational performance perspective and act as senior escalation point.
• Build and manage relationships with hauliers, subcontractors and partners, overseeing supplier performance, compliance and SLAs.
• Contribute to strategic planning, investment decisions and business development initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven senior operational leadership experience within road freight forwarding.
• Strong understanding of UK and European road freight operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, time‑critical transport networks.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance service, cost and margin.
• Experience operating in a fast‑growing or change‑led logistics environment.
• Effective people leader who builds accountability and high performance.
• Delivery‑focused with a pragmatic and decisive leadership style.
• Process‑driven with a continuous improvement mindset.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £90,000 to £110,000 per year.