Looking for more than just an operational role? Join a growing team where your Ocean Freight Import experience can make a real impact on customer service, efficiency, and profitability.

Location : Birmingham (B33)

Hours of work:  8:00am – 5:00pm (42.5 hours per week)

Salary: £28,100 – £30,000 per annum (DOE)

Role Overview

We are seeking a capable and commercially minded Ocean Freight Import Operator to join our growing Birmingham team. This is not a purely operational role, we are looking for someone who understands the commercial impact of their decisions, takes ownership of shipments end-to-end, and contributes to profitability, efficiency, and customer retention.

*Candidates MUST have previous experience in Ocean Import Operations*

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Manage end-to-end ocean import shipments (FCL & LCL)
• Liaise with overseas agents for pre-alerts, documentation, and updates
• Coordinate customs clearance, delivery, and final mile logistics
• Work with shipping lines, hauliers, and warehouses
• Proactively manage delays, issues, and service disruptions
• Maintain accurate job costing and shipment records

Commercial & Cost Control

• Ensure shipments are handled in a cost-efficient and profitable manner
• Check supplier invoices and protect agreed buy rates
• Raise accurate customer invoices and maintain margin control
• Identify opportunities to add value or upsell services
• Challenge supplier costs where commercially beneficial

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Act as a key point of contact for customers
• Deliver high levels of proactive communication and service
• Build strong relationships to support client retention
• Handle queries and issues with a solutions-driven approach

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with UK import and customs regulations
• Manage shipping documentation (B/L, invoices, declarations)
• Maintain accuracy to avoid delays, penalties, or additional costs

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in ocean freight, preferably in imports
• Strong understanding of FCL & LCL processes
• Commercial awareness with a focus on profitability and cost control
• Good system skills
• Ability to handle multiple shipments under pressure
• Customs clearance (CS) import knowledge is advantageous, but not essential
• Commercially aware and results-driven
• Proactive and solution-focused
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional and customer-focused approach

What Success Looks Like

• Shipments delivered on time and without issue
• Strong margin control and cost management
• High levels of customer satisfaction and retention
• Efficient handling of workload with minimal errors

Ready to take your skills to the next level?

Apply today and become an essential part of the team. Call 0121 592 0289 – Speak with Charley Booth or Michelle Bastock @ Your-Recruiters Limited

Your Recruiters Limited are an equal opportunity employer, celebrating diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will receive a response, with detailed feedback provided to those unsuccessful at the interview stage.