Ocean Freight Import Coordinator

Ocean Freight Import Coordinator

Location: Ipswich / Felixstowe area

Salary: £27,000 - £30,000

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

About the Role

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

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.

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

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

Key Responsibilities

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

Benefits

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

Why Apply?

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

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.