Air & Sea Freight Import Operator

Tall Grass Recruitment; Greater Manchester, Sale; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time permanent

Flexible hours

Remote work after probation

On-site gym

Free parking

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Tall Grass Recruitment is seeking an experienced Air & Sea Freight Import Operator to manage import shipments from quotation through to final delivery and job completion.

You will prepare quotations, coordinate shipments, and liaise with customers, agents and carriers while ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to regulations. A hybrid UK role with 25 days holiday and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in air and sea freight import operations.
• Experience preparing freight quotations and managing shipments end-to-end.
• Knowledge of import procedures, Incoterms, customs clearance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive quotations for air and sea freight import shipments.
• Manage shipments from quotation and booking through to customs clearance, delivery, invoicing, and job closure.
• Liaise with customers, overseas agents, airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, warehouses and other service providers.

Skills

Air & sea freight

Quotation handling

Shipping documentation

Customer liaison

CDS knowledge

Tools

Freight management system

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Air & Sea Freight Import Operator

My client is seeking an experienced Air & Sea Freight Import Operator to manage import shipments from initial quotation through to final delivery and job completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive quotations for air and sea freight import shipments.
• Manage shipments from quotation and booking through to customs clearance, delivery, invoicing, and job closure.
• Liaise with customers, overseas agents, airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, warehouses, and other service providers.
• Arrange collections, bookings, import documentation, customs clearance, and final delivery.
• Monitor shipments and provide customers with accurate, proactive updates.
• Check commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, air waybills, and other shipping documents.
• Obtain and compare supplier rates while maintaining agreed margins.
• Ensure all costs and selling rates are entered accurately into the operating system.
• Resolve delays, documentation issues, customs queries, and other operational problems.
• Prepare files for invoicing and check supplier invoices against agreed rates.
• Maintain complete and accurate shipment records.
• Follow company procedures and relevant customs, security, and compliance requirements.
• Build strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Support colleagues during busy periods and contribute to the continued growth of the import department.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in an air and sea freight import operations role.
• Experience preparing freight quotations and managing shipments from start to finish.
• Good knowledge of import procedures, Incoterms, freight documentation, and customs clearance requirements.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to protect margins.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritise a busy workload and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Confident using freight management systems, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Knowledge of UK customs procedures and CDS would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary up to 35k DOE
• Full‑time, permanent position - Flexible working hours & x2 days remote working after probation.
• Supportive and professional working environment.
• Opportunities for training and career development.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year
• On site gym
• Free parking