Freight Operations Coordinator

DFDS; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance cover

Contributory pension scheme

Holiday Purchase Scheme

Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests

Job summary

DFDS is seeking a Freight Operations Co-Ordinator in Portsmouth to ensure freight operations run smoothly and safely. You will handle tasks from customs clearance to vessel coordination, working five days out of seven between 05:00 and 00:00.

You will be part of a busy team coordinating with planning, port authorities, and customers to keep operations running efficiently. The role requires customer-focused, organised and proactive communication with different teams and authorities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in customs clearance is essential.
• Knowledge of POAO goods and required documentation is a plus.
• Must be computer literate and able to work on own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Check in trailers and vehicles for shipment.
• Prepare vessel loads before arrival and assist with loading and discharging.
• Ensure Dangerous Goods Manifests and stowage plans are accurate and ready.
• Communicate via UHF radios during vessel operations.
• Coordinate with authorities to meet safety and compliance standards.
• Verify hazardous materials using Hazcheck.
• Handle customs clearance and ensure all documentation is correct.

Skills

Customer focus

Organised

Communication

Self-motivated

Job description

Do you want to be a valued part of the critical infrastructure that serves communities across Europe and beyond? Are you looking for a position in which you can set direction and help shape our company? If so, then you could be the newest addition to our team as Freight Operations Coordinator.

Be part of the movement - and play your part.

About The Role

As a Freight Operations Co-Ordinator, you’ll play a key role in making sure our freight operations run smoothly and safely. Working any 5 days from 7, between the hours of 05:00 and 00:00, you’ll be involved in everything from customs clearance to vessel coordination.

You Will Be Responsible For

• Checking in trailers and vehicles for shipment
• Preparing vessel loads before arrival and assisting with loading and discharging
• Ensuring Dangerous Goods Manifests and stowage plans are accurate and ready
• Communicating via UHF radios during vessel operations
• Coordinating with authorities to meet safety and compliance standards
• Verifying hazardous materials using Hazcheck
• Handling customs clearance and ensuring all documentation is correct

You’ll be part of a busy, hands‑on team in Portsmouth, working closely with planning, port authorities, and customers to keep operations running smoothly.

About You

You’ll be customer‑focused, organised, and confident communicating with different teams and authorities. Previous experience in customs clearance is essential, and ideally, you’ll have knowledge of POAO goods and the documentation they require. You’ll need to be computer literate, able to work on your own initiative, and represent the company in a smart, professional manner.

We think the strongest teams are built on diversity and inclusivity. Contrasting opinions, varied skills and strong characters bring out the best in us all. And we cannot wait for you to join.

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us.

Now about what we can give you. You’ll be able to access some fantastic benefits such as:

• Life assurance cover
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Free ferry travel for up to 4 guests between Dover and Calais / Newcastle and Amsterdam with no limit on trips
• Full employee assistance programme including:
• Proactive financial, emotional, mental, and physical health care support including face to face counselling, fast 24/7 access to a GP, a second medical opinion and legal support for colleagues and their family.
• Huge range of retail discounts from high street and online retailers
• Cashback on health care including dental, optical, physiotherapy, prescriptions, specialist consultations and much more.
• Access to myStrength, our Wellbeing platform, which has plenty of content to support and improve your mental wellness needs.
• Access to mental health first aid and opportunity to join support webinars with a focus on all areas of positive wellbeing.

While you’re with us, we want you to develop. At DFDS, we believe that development happens first and foremost through activities in the workplace. We will also offer training courses that can support you in your role, if needed.

We look forward to hearin