Backhaul Manager - Wakefield

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 Wakefield

Wakefield is a city just south of Leeds that comprises the five towns of Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton, Featherstone and Knottingley, as well as other minor towns. With a population of around 325,000, it’s a moderately sized city that is overshadowed by its northern neighbour and Sheffield, which is 20 miles (31 km) to the south. Wakefield is well connected by rail and road, with the M62 and the M1 passing by its north and west respectively.

The city and its constituent towns boomed during the Industrial Revolution when vast seams of coal were discovered beneath them. The area dug hundreds of mines and this remained the key industry in the area until the 1980s when they were closed down one by one. The last remaining one is Kellingley Colliery, located at Knottingley, just east of Pontefract.

The city remains industrial, however, although the days of heavy industry are largely gone. The city’s excellent communications and central location have made it an ideal place to site warehouses, factories and distribution centres, so Backhaul Manager jobs regularly appear in the Wakefield area. There are also regeneration projects going on in the city designed to diversify and stimulate the economy, and this looks set to bring further growth to an area that has had to reinvent itself completely in thirty years.

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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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