Job Description:

Ocean Import & Export Operator

Location: Basildon, Essex
Salary: Up to £40,000 per year, depending on experience
Job type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday to Friday

The Opportunity

We are recruiting an experienced Ocean Import & Export Operator to join an established freight-forwarding business in Basildon.

The successful candidate will manage FCL and LCL shipments from initial booking through to final delivery, taking full responsibility for documentation, customs coordination and customer communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Import and Export shipments from start to finish.

• Coordinate FCL and LCL movements.

• Process bookings and liaise with overseas agents and shipping lines.

• Prepare and check Bills of Lading and other shipping documentation.

• Handle Air Waybills where required.

• Obtain and issue customs-clearance instructions.

• Arrange collections, container releases and final deliveries.

• Liaise with customers, hauliers, shipping lines and overseas partners.

• Monitor vessel schedules, ETAs, cut-off dates and shipment progress.

• Keep customers updated throughout the movement.

• Resolve customs, documentation and delivery queries.

• Process supplier invoices and raise customer invoices.

• Maintain accurate shipment files and internal system records.

• Prepare quotations and monitor job profitability.

Essential Experience

• Previous Ocean Import and Export experience within freight forwarding.

• Experience managing shipments from start to finish.

• Good knowledge of FCL or LCL movements.

• Understanding of customs-clearance procedures.

• Experience preparing and checking Bills of Lading.

• Knowledge of Air Waybills would be beneficial.

• Strong communication and customer-service skills.

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines.

Benefits

• Salary of up to £42,500, depending on experience.

• Monday-to-Friday working.

• Permanent position with an established freight-forwarding business.

• Supportive working environment.

• Opportunities for continued professional development and progression.