Freight Forwarding Operator

We are looking for an experienced Freight Forwarding Operator to join our Team in our Basildon office. Job type: Permanent, full time Working Hours: Monday – Friday 08.30 hours – 17.30 hours – one-hour unpaid lunch Salary: £28,000.00 - £30,000.00 per annum (salary negotiable, depending on experience) About the role Key Responsibilities: Understand and execute the departments vision of good business development in order to ensure outstanding customer services to clients Maintain the operations system ensuring customer bookings are accurately recorded Maintain regular communication with sales teams reporting new sales leads and handover of shipments Create new and maintain current SOPs for the department Communicate quotations to the line manager/sales team within two hours of receipt and ensure all quotations are recorded on the system in one format Implement and improve new efficiencies in customer workflow in conjunction with line manager Maintain key accounts and ensure general enquiries are expedited Update the CRM ensuring spot quotations are entered on to the system Gain feedback where possible and follow up enquiries Deal with customer/client complaints are expedited in the agreed timeline in accordance with SOPs Aid Credit Control with collection of overdue payments from suppliers/clients Ensure customer due diligence checks are completed for new customers Maintain at all times high standards of personal quality, Health & safety and professionalism and actively promote all company policies and procedures Represent the company in the best possible light at all times Ensure to oversee client management and sub-contractor management in line with polices, practices and procedures Ensure all financial transactions in compliance with Alpi organisational policy and procedures, legal requirements, and good practice guidelines Ensure to carry out processes, practices in line with policies, practices, and procedures Ensure customer Bookings are accurately taken & entered operations system, International, National and cross trade Provide customers with accurate and cost-effective quotations within a timely fashion Confirm quotations received by email (within half an hour) Booking consignments with third party contractors Quoting cross trade consignments Booking deliveries in with customers Liaising with suppliers / Origin Offices Build strong relationships with customers Invoicing and Administration Skills, Experience and Competencies Knowledge of road freight market rates and services, ability to quote accordingly. Be able to prioritise own workload but also be able to work as part of a team. Be fully conversant in IT skills e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and systems. Have excellent communication skills over the telephone and e-mail. Have experience with Excel reporting. Have good team working skills. Have good understanding of logistics processes and procedures. Ability to work as part of a team as well and being confident independently Demonstratable working administrative background Must have analytical skills, with a high level of detail Benefits that support you Working at ALPI UK comes with a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, financial future and life outside of work, including: 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays Loyalty holiday scheme, awarding 1 additional day's annual leave for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days Milestone Day, an additional paid day off to celebrate a meaningful personal occasion of your choice Enhanced pension contributions, increasing to a 9% employer contribution after 1 years’ service Free annual pension and investment review with our independent financial adviser Death in Service benefit equivalent to 3 times your annual salary after 6 months' service Private Medical Insurance after 1 years’ service (subject to application and scheme eligibility) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and eligible family members Access to our employee discounts and benefits platform About Us ALPI UK is part of the Albini & Pitigliani Group, an international freight forwarding and logistics organisation with a history spanning more than 80 years. Established in Italy, the Group has grown into a global network providing logistics and supply chain solutions across international markets. With locations across Essex, Manchester, Tamworth, Heathrow and Scotland, ALPI UK combines the strength and stability of a global business with the personal approach of a local team. We are proud to support customers across a wide range of industries through our expertise in freight forwarding, customs, warehousing and supply chain management. Our success is built on the knowledge, commitment and expertise of our people. We foster a professional and collaborative working environment where individuals are empowered to take ownership, build strong relationships and deliver with confidence. Everything we do is guided by our 'With C.A.R.E.' values: Commitment Accountability Relationships Expertise These values shape the way we work, support our customers and collaborate with one another every day. If you are looking to join a trusted international organisation where commitment, accountability, relationships and expertise are valued, and where you can make a meaningful contribution, we would love to hear from you.