Job Description:

• Export & Cross Trade Operator

  Location: Laindon
  Job Type:Full-time / Permanent

  One of our clients is looking for a proactive, organised and customer-focused Multi-Modal Export & Cross Trade Operator 

  This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight forwarding professional who thrives in a fast-paced logistics environment, enjoys building strong customer relationships and understands the importance of delivering efficient, cost-effective and reliable export solutions.

  The successful candidate will be responsible for managing day-to-day export and cross-trade operations across sea, air and road freight, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently, compliantly and to the highest standards of customer service.

  Key Responsibilities

  Export & Cross-Trade Operations

  • • Manage the full life-cycle of export bookings, including general export enquiries, shipment coordination and cross-trade movements.
    • Coordinate multi-modal shipments across sea, air and road freight, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
    • Arrange collections, overseas deliveries and the preparation and management of customs documentation.
    • Create and maintain accurate shipment records within L Base, ensuring all job details and operational information are up to date.
    • Liaise with overseas agents, carriers, third-party logistics providers, customs authorities and internal departments to ensure smooth operations.
    • Monitor shipment progress and pro-actively resolve any operational issues or delays.

  • Customer Service & Business Development

    • Deliver excellent customer service by understanding client requirements and meeting, or exceeding, expectations.
    • Support sales leads and contribute to developing new business opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
    • Assist the sales team with B2B initiatives, accurate data entry, shipment updates and logistical support.
    • Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and overseas partners.

    Commercial & Financial Management

    • Negotiate competitive rates and terms with carriers, suppliers and logistics partners while maintaining high service standards.
    • Ensure all job costs are accurately recorded in L Base.
    • Prepare and issue export and cross-trade invoices promptly and accurately.
    • Liaise with the accounts department to resolve sales and cost queries.
    • Work closely with the Branch Manager and colleagues to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

    Compliance & Administration

    • Ensure all shipments comply with relevant export regulations, customs requirements and industry standards.
    • Maintain accurate records of export transactions, shipment statuses and compliance documentation for audit purposes.
    • Support the development of supply chain processes to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.Teamwork & Support
    • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the department, particularly during peak periods and holiday cover.
    • Provide operational support across other areas of the business when required.
    • Assist with the training and development of new team members.
    • The Ideal Candidate

      We are looking for someone who has:

    • Previous experience in freight forwarding, ideally within export operations and cross trade.
    • A good understanding of multi-modal freight, including sea, air and road exports.
    • Knowledge of export documentation, customs procedures and international shipping requirements.
    • Experience liaising with overseas agents, carriers, suppliers and customers.
    • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
    • Excellent communication, customer service and problem-solving skills.
    • Commercial awareness and the confidence to negotiate competitive supplier rates.
    • Good numerical and administrative skills, with experience in job costing and invoicing.
    • Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records across operational systems. Experience using LBase would be an advantage.
    • A proactive, flexible and team-oriented approach, with a commitment to delivering high standards of service.