Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport

Sector: Consumer Goods

Location: London (hybrid)

Salary: £75,000 - £90,000 + 15% bonus

Reports to: Logistics Director

A fast-growing, consumer goods brand is hiring a Head of Global Transportation to lead and scale its global transport and trade compliance operation.

The business has experienced sustained, high double-digit growth and is now at the point where it needs a senior, externally experienced leader to professionalise structure, strengthen partners, and build a longer-term global logistics and compliance strategy.

This is a highly visible role within the global operations leadership team, with responsibility for transportation strategy, carrier and forwarder partnerships, and global trade compliance governance.

Transport spend is expected to be in the region of £10m.

The role of Head of Global Transportation

You will lead global transportation and trade compliance across all modes and regions, ensuring reliable service, strong cost control and robust regulatory compliance as the business continues to scale internationally.

This is a genuinely senior role, combining operational control with longer-term strategy and transformation.

Key responsibilities for the position of Head of Global Transportation / Head of Logistics

Own and deliver the global transportation strategy across air, ocean, road and parcel networks
Lead carrier, freight forwarder and 3PL selection, negotiation and performance management
Oversee global import and export compliance, including classification, origin, valuation and customs governance
Build and embed global policies, SOPs and internal controls for transport and trade compliance
Ensure ongoing compliance with international regulations and certifications (including AEO and C-TPAT)
Own transportation and duty budgets, driving cost optimisation and duty / tax efficiency
Lead escalation and risk management for customs issues, delays and regulatory change
Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, IT, Sales and Planning to support growth and market expansion
Lead, coach and develop the global transportation and compliance leadership team

What they are looking for

Senior leadership experience across global transportation operations (air, ocean, road and parcel)
Strong, hands-on knowledge of international trade compliance, including HS classification, origin, valuation and customs regimes
Experience working with global forwarders, carriers, brokers and 3PL partners
A strong understanding of Incoterms, freight procurement and logistics cost drivers
Experience designing and embedding policies, standards and governance frameworks
Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, high-growth, international environment
A confident communicator, able to influence at senior and operational levels
Proven people leadership experience and the ability to build structure and capability as teams scale

Experience from either an in-house global logistics environment or a senior role within a freight forwarding / logistics services organisation will be considered.

Why this role is different

The business is growing at c. 20-30% year on year and investing heavily in its supply chain
Significant international exposure across Europe, North America and Asia
A rare opportunity to shape a global transportation and trade compliance function at a pivotal stage of growth
Strong focus on quality, service and brand reputation – not just cost
Future-focused agenda, including partner strategy, network design and trade compliance risk mitigation

Additional information

International travel required as the role demands

This role will suit a commercially minded, structured and highly credible transportation leader who enjoys building capability, challenging existing ways of working and helping a premium, global consumer brand scale safely and sustainably.

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Head of Global Logistics (Transport) / Director of Global Transport