Assistant Trade Development Manager – Import Far East

Full time, permanent

We are looking for a confident and motivated individual with strong commercial awareness, who can lead and develop a high-performing team while managing day-to-day operations. You will be an excellent communicator, able to build strong relationships across the UK, MSC Geneva and origin offices in Asia, and will thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to growth and strengthening MSC’s position in the UK import market.

How you will help us and what you can expect

• Support the Trade Development Manager in the day-to-day commercial management of the Import Far East trade, identifying and capitalising on growth opportunities
• Take ownership of customer engagement across BCO, NVO and freight forwarder segments, building strong commercial relationships that drive loyalty and volume
• Organise and lead one-to-one meetings, team meetings and performance reviews, fostering a high-performance culture within the department
• Define and review individual performance contracts in line with MSC standards, ensuring team members are developed, motivated and engaged
• Build and maintain close working relationships with Far East origin agents, MSC Geneva Liner teams and key internal stakeholders across the UK business
• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity and rate trends across the Far East to UK corridor, providing insight and recommendations to support commercial strategy
• Assist with the preparation of reports, statistics, landed cost analysis and market research to support tender responses and business reviews
• Support the coordination of rate strategy across to optimise revenue and utilisation
• Attend internal and external meetings, customer visits and trade events, representing the department alongside or in the absence of the Trade Development Manager
• Work closely with the Trade Development Manager to ensure agreed strategies are implemented effectively and commercial targets are achieved

Skills and experience you’ll bring to us

• Proven ability to lead, develop and maximise the performance of a team in a fast-paced commercial environment
• Experience within the container shipping, freight forwarding or wider logistics industry, import experience is highly desirable
• Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of ocean freight pricing, rate structures and market dynamics
• Confidence in engaging with customers, senior stakeholders and Director-level associates, including direct communication with Geneva principals
• Experience in reporting, data analysis and compiling commercial statistics
• Ability to influence, implement change and drive continuous improvement across the team
• Resilient under pressure with the ability to prioritise workloads and deliver to tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a professional manner at all times
• Knowledge of import processes would be a distinct advantage
• Strong time management and organisational skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Private Health Care for everyone from day 1 (non contractual)
• Generous pension scheme
• Life Assurance – 4x salary
• 22 days + a day to take on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve
• Free parking
• On-site artisan restaurant
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flu vaccines and eye care vouchers
• Buy or sell holiday scheme
• Christmas club saving
• MSC Cruises friends and family discount
• Full induction day and training provided
• Learning and development opportunities
• Dress for the day policy/modern office environment