Ocean Freight Import Coordinator

Job Description

Ocean Freight Import Coordinator\n

Location: Ipswich / Felixstowe area

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Salary: £27,000 - £30,000

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Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30 (participation in an early start rota, 07:00-15:30)

About the Role\n

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ocean Freight Import Coordinator to join a well-established and growing international freight forwarding business.

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This role is focused on managing Far East import shipments into the UK, ensuring cargo moves efficiently from origin through to final delivery. We're looking for a customer-focused freight professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong client relationships, and is committed to delivering exceptional service.

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If you're passionate about freight forwarding, operational excellence, and developing your career within a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Skills & Experience\n

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• Minimum of 5 years' experience in ocean freight imports or a similar freight forwarding role.
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• Strong knowledge of Far East import shipping services into the UK.
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• Experience handling both FCL and LCL shipments.
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• Solid understanding of UK customs procedures, import arrival processes, and compliance requirements.
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• Experience managing Port Health, HMRC, and related import compliance activities.
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• Good knowledge of shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, delivery orders, and certificates of origin.
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• Good understanding of Incoterms and their practical application.
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• Knowledge of shipping lines, vessel schedules, and transit times from the Far East.
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• Strong commercial awareness, including file profitability and gross margins.
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• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
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• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
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• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
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• Experience using freight forwarding software (experience with Azyra FMS/ERP is advantageous).
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• Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain qualification is desirable.
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• Customer-focused with a proactive, can-do attitude.
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• Able to perform well in a busy, fast-moving environment.
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Key Responsibilities\n

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• Manage ocean freight import shipments from booking through to final delivery.
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• Coordinate both FCL and LCL/consolidation shipments, including direct shipping line and co-loader movements.
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• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, warehouses, customs teams, and customers to ensure smooth shipment progression.
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• Monitor vessel arrivals, transit milestones, and delivery schedules, proactively managing delays and communicating updates.
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• Deliver excellent customer service while maintaining commercially competitive transport solutions.
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• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support retention and business growth.
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• Maintain accurate operational, financial, and shipment tracking information within internal systems.
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• Work closely with customs clearance and transport teams to ensure compliant cargo processing and delivery.
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• Resolve operational queries, invoicing issues, claims, and service concerns efficiently and professionally.
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• Contribute to departmental KPIs relating to service quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
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Benefits\n

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• Competitive salary
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• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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• Company pension scheme
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• Cycle to Work scheme
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• Car salary sacrifice scheme
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• Employee discount platform
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• Comprehensive training and ongoing support
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• Continuous learning and development opportunities
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• Employee wellbeing initiatives and mental health support
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• Recognition and reward programme
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• Regular employee engagement activities
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Why Apply?\n

You'll be joining a respected and expanding logistics business that values teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a supportive environment while contributing to the ongoing success of a growing organisation.

Equal Opportunities\n

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, and we believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our business through a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.