Backhaul Manager - Shetland

Backhaul Manager jobs

Companies that actively seek out efficiencies in their operations stand themselves in better stead for survival, especially in tough economic conditions. Effective management of backhaul can make an incredible savings which can either be used to increase profitability of the haulier or to offer savings to clients to increase competitiveness.

Good backhaul managers are part logistics experts and part sales agents, constantly on the lookout for potential openings in the efficiency drive, striking logistics deals with businesses close to drop-off locations and their own depots.

Some companies might be new to the concept of backhaul, in which case the backhaul manager might be designing a complete programme from the ground up. Other times, they might be drafted in to replace staff or increase efficiency. Either way, the skills will remain the same: keeping control of budgets and dealing closely with clients and management to continually push efficiency to the limit.

The sales element is just as important, as good backhaul is down to the discovery and development of potential openings, which are essentially new clients. Confidence in selling the proposition is an essential asset in the backhaul manager.

Backhaul Manager Jobs in Shetland

Shetland is the name given to the council area that coincides with what is commonly known as the Shetland Islands. The islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, 130 miles (215 km) north east of John O’Groats. The main bulk of the islands themselves are some 70 miles (110 km) from north to south, but roughly only 25 miles (40 km) east to west. The islands have only been part of Scotland since the 1500s, and have strong links with Scandinavia. Norway is just 200 miles (320 km) to the east, a short hop on a longboat.

The main administrative headquarters is Lerwick, whose 7000 population accounts for about a third of the Islands’ total. The islands have a basic road system and a ferry system links its 16 inhabited islands as well as Orkney and Aberdeen. Despite being small, the island’s inhabitants still have modern needs, and this will necessarily require a good deal of contact with the mainland. This could open up opportunities for such Backhaul Manager positions and the proximity to the North Sea oil fields is also economically positive.