We’re looking for an organised and customer-focused Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator to join a busy operations team in the Ipswich area. You’ll take responsibility for managing ocean freight shipments, primarily imports from the Far East and Mediterranean, ensuring cargo moves efficiently from origin through to final delivery.
This is a great opportunity for someone with a solid background in sea freight imports who enjoys building customer relationships, coordinating international shipments and keeping operations running smoothly.
Salary: Up to £33,000 depending on experience
Location: Ipswich
Hours: Monday to Friday
25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
Discount Platform
Company pension scheme
Full training and ongoing development opportunities.
Cycle to Work and car leasing schemes.
Employee wellbeing initiatives and mental health support.
Recognition and reward schemes, alongside regular team engagement activities
The Role
Coordinate ocean freight imports from booking through to final delivery, ensuring shipments progress to schedule.
Manage FCL and LCL consignments, working with shipping lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, hauliers and warehouse partners.
Monitor vessel schedules, cargo arrivals and delivery arrangements, proactively resolving delays or issues.
Liaise with customers throughout the shipment process, providing updates and responding to queries.
Prepare and check shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and delivery orders.
Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all relevant import formalities are completed correctly.
Work with Port Health, HMRC and other relevant authorities to ensure shipments meet UK import requirements.
Maintain accurate shipment files, tracking information and operational records.
Monitor shipment costs and profitability, supporting accurate invoicing and effective cost control.
What We’re Looking For
Previous experience in ocean freight forwarding, particularly import operations.
Good working knowledge of FCL and LCL shipments.
Understanding of UK customs procedures and import compliance requirements, including Port Health processes.
Familiarity with shipping documentation and Incoterms.
A customer-focused approach, with confident communication and problem-solving skills.
Commercial awareness and an understanding of shipment costs and profitability.
Ocean export experience would be beneficial, although the main focus of the position will be imports.
Interested?
If you have ocean freight import experience and are looking to join a supportive team within a growing international logistics operation, we’d love to hear from you.
WR Logistics are a leading recruitment partner for the logistics and supply chain industry, recruiting across the UK, Europe, and the USA for permanent opportunities.
WR Logistics is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy