Sea freight Import Specialist - Manchester - Freight Forwarding
Ocean Import Operator / Sea Freight Import Specialist
Manchester | £35,000–£39,000 | Permanent | Full Time
We are recruiting for an experienced Ocean Import Operator / Sea Freight Import Specialist to join a growing freight forwarding business in Manchester.
This is an opportunity for an experienced freight forwarding professional with a strong background in ocean freight imports to take ownership of customer shipments, manage the full import process and work closely with customers, shipping lines, overseas agents and suppliers.
The Role
As an Ocean Import Operator, Import Coordinator or Sea Freight Specialist, you will manage day-to-day ocean import shipments from origin through to final delivery.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing FCL and LCL ocean import shipments from origin to final delivery
- Coordinating sea freight imports and monitoring shipment progress
- Managing pre-alerts, arrival notices and import documentation
- Liaising with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, customers and other service providers
- Arranging collections, deliveries and transport requirements
- Coordinating customs clearance and ensuring all import requirements are completed correctly
- Preparing and checking commercial and shipping documentation
- Managing customer accounts and providing regular shipment updates
- Handling import queries, delays and operational issues through to resolution
- Working with ocean freight rates, quotations and pricing
- Obtaining and negotiating freight rates where required
- Processing invoices and maintaining accurate shipment records
- Ensuring shipments are handled in line with customer requirements and company procedures
- Working closely with the wider freight forwarding team across ocean exports, road freight and air freight when required
About You
We are looking for an experienced freight forwarding professional with:
- 2–4+ years' experience within freight forwarding, logistics or shipping
- Strong hands-on experience in ocean freight / sea freight imports
- Experience managing FCL and/or LCL import shipments
- Good knowledge of import documentation and customs clearance processes
- Experience dealing with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers and customers
- Good understanding of the end-to-end import process
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Excellent organisation and time management skills
- The ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities at the same time
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem solving
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word
- Additional experience in road freight, air freight, ocean exports, customs or transport would be advantageous.
Industry Experience
Experience within a freight forwarding environment is essential.
Experience handling shipments for retail, food, FMCG or general cargo customers would be particularly relevant.
Candidates with existing customer relationships or the ability to develop new business opportunities would also be of interest.
What's On Offer
- £35,000–£39,000 salary
- Permanent, full-time position
- Manchester-based role
- Opportunity to join a growing freight forwarding operation
- Responsibility for key customer accounts and international shipments
- Exposure across ocean, road and air freight operations
- Opportunity to develop with a growing business
- Varied role with responsibility across the full import process
If you have experience as an Ocean Import Operator, Sea Freight Import Specialist, Import Coordinator or Freight Forwarder and are looking for your next opportunity in Manchester, apply today.