Senior Account Manager | International Freight Forwarding

People in Focus; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

People in Focus is seeking a Senior Account Manager for international freight forwarding based in Sydney. You will own established client portfolios, manage shipments from origin to final delivery and contribute to service delivery and profitability.

You will combine hands-on account management with operational know-how, coordinating imports/exports, liaising with overseas agents and customs brokers to ensure timely, compliant and cost-effective outcomes for key clients.

Qualifications

• Experienced freight forwarding professional with strong client and operational responsibility.
• Knowledge of Australian import/export procedures, documentation, and biosecurity requirements.
• Experience managing shipments from origin to final delivery.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with customers and partners.
• Commercial understanding of quoting, costing, invoicing and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Client account management: build relationships and manage service expectations.
• Import/export operations: manage consignments from booking to delivery.
• Supply chain coordination with overseas agents and providers.
• Customs and biosecurity coordination and regulatory compliance.
• Commercial management: monitor costs and review profitability; accurate invoicing.
• Proactive problem solving to mitigate delays and risks.
• Continuous improvement: suggest workflow and process enhancements.

Skills

Account management

Freight forwarding

Import/export operations

Customer service

Biosecurity knowledge

Commercial awareness

Documentation & compliance

Job description

Senior Account Manager | International Freight Forwarding

Take ownership of established client accounts, manage international shipments and make a direct contribution to service delivery and account profitability.

An international freight forwarder is seeking an experienced Senior Account Manager with strong operational knowledge, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to customer service.

This is a hands‑on role combining client relationship management, import and export operations, supply chain coordination and commercial account management. You will manage your assigned customers' requirements from origin through to final delivery, ensuring shipments progress efficiently and clients receive clear, timely advice.

If you enjoy building trusted customer relationships, solving complex freight challenges and taking responsibility for outcomes, this role offers the opportunity to apply your experience with a high level of autonomy.

About the role

As the primary contact for your client portfolio, you will develop a thorough understanding of each customer’s business and supply chain requirements. You will coordinate shipments, anticipate potential disruptions and identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency and profitability.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Client account management: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, manage service expectations and support customer retention.
• Import and export operations: Manage consignments from booking through to final delivery, maintaining control of shipment milestones, documentation and delivery requirements.
• Supply chain coordination: Liaise with overseas agents, suppliers, transport providers, customs brokers and relevant authorities to keep freight moving.
• Customs and biosecurity coordination: Obtain release documentation, coordinate clearance requirements and ensure regulatory directions are actioned within required timeframes.
• Commercial management: Prepare accurate quotes, monitor shipment costs, ensure timely invoicing and review account profitability against agreed commercial arrangements.
• Proactive problem solving: Identify delays, service risks and operational issues early, take appropriate action and keep customers and management informed.
• Continuous improvement: Recommend practical changes to workflows, systems and processes that improve customer service and commercial performance.

About you

You are an experienced freight forwarding professional who can confidently manage both the operational and commercial requirements of client accounts.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in international freight forwarding account management, senior customer service or a comparable role with substantial client and operational responsibility.
• Strong practical knowledge of Australian import and export procedures, freight documentation, customs clearance and biosecurity requirements.
• Experience managing shipments from origin through to final delivery.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with customers, overseas agents and service providers.
• Commercial understanding of quoting, costing, invoicing, margins and account profitability.
• Sound judgement, strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise competing shipment requirements.
• Clear communication skills and confidence managing customer expectations when circumstances change.
• A proactive approach to identifying operational risks, process improvements and areas where further support or knowledge is needed.

This position suits someone ready to contribute their existing expertise, work independently and take full ownership of their client portfolio. You will know when to resolve an issue directly and when to involve management.

The opportunity

• Take responsibility for client relationships and complete shipment delivery.
• Combine operational expertise with commercial account management.
• Influence service standards, process improvements and account performance.
• Become a trusted logistics adviser to your customers.

Additional information

• Take ownership of key freight forwarding accounts and client relationships
• Manage import and export shipments from origin through to final delivery
• Apply your operational expertise with autonomy and commercial responsibility