Backhaul Manager - South West

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.

The skills required

The ability to seek out efficiency opportunities and enact them is a vital skill demanded of the backhaul manager. This requires a mathematical analysis of the potential benefits of a potential opening alongside the ability to get the most out of opportunities by making offers to those in need of haulage. For this, candidates must possess analytical and persuasive sides, and be able to balance the two so that the most effort is expended on the most likely and profitable openings.

Moderate computing skills are usually required, most notably spreadsheet and word processor experience. Some experience of accounting will also be of great assistance to candidates.

Backhaul Manager Jobs in the South West

A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Backhaul Manager positions.

As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.

Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.

Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.

In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.

Popular locations

Cast UK’s logistics opportunities

Whether you're moving house, looking to change employer or are simply seeking a change in career, get in touch with Cast UK’s recruitment consultants who can help you take the next step.

We work with many employers around the UK to ensure positions are filled by the most skilled people. This benefits both parties by offering quality candidates and a greater likelihood of job satisfaction. We only employ people with experience in procurement, logistics and supply chain, and our founders were from this background.

To find out more about the regions and cities we serve, and how we can help you with your search for a fulfilling career, please give us a call.

Equally, to find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Backhaul Manager for your business or find you a job as a Backhaul Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.

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