Logistics Manager – Inbound Freight

About the role

Carl Friedrik is a premium travel goods and luggage brand. Its Logistics Manager owns inbound logistics: bringing products from factories to warehouses in the UK, the EU and the US on time and at the right cost. The role manages freight forwarders day to day, liaises with suppliers worldwide and reports on inbound lead times and costs. It reports to the Head of Operations and works closely with production teams and warehouses to meet KPIs.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and manage inbound shipments from factories to UK, EU and US warehouses, from collection to booked-in stock.
• Get quotes, book freight with forwarders and choose the right mode for timing and cost.
• Work with Supply Chain on production readiness, collection dates and container loads.
• Book delivery slots with warehouses so goods are received and booked in on time.
• Track every shipment and flag delays early to Supply Chain and Operations.
• Manage customs clearance, duty and import documentation, including HS classification, commercial invoices and packing lists.
• Report monthly on inbound lead times by route and forwarder (factory-ready to collection, transit, arrival to booked-in stock).
• Find savings through tenders, renegotiations and better consolidation of shipments.

Required profile

• 3+ years in inbound or international logistics, ideally in e-commerce, direct-to-consumer or retail, including managing freight forwarders.
• Hands-on experience with sea, air and road freight, incoterms and customs, especially UK-EU and US imports.
• Confidence negotiating with forwarders and holding them to quoted costs and transit times.
• Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, working across many departments.
• Curious and proactive, enjoying improving processes.

Required skills

• Spreadsheets: building cost and lead time reports.
• Freight booking, customs clearance and import documentation.