Freight Operations Specialist

Howett Thorpe; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Freight Operations Specialist in Southampton. You will own and coordinate shipments across road, air and sea freight, working with internal teams, customers and overseas partners to ensure on-time delivery and accurate updates.

The role demands a minimum of 4 years in freight forwarding, strong multi-modal experience, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to complex logistics challenges. Hybrid working is offered with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years' freight forwarding operations experience.
• Exposure to road, air and sea freight operations.
• Strong knowledge of import/export procedures and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage shipments across road, air and sea freight.
• Support multiple group entities with day-to-day operations.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure timely deliveries.
• Provide accurate shipment updates to stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with logistics partners and customers.
• Support import/export operations teams as needed.
• Ensure customs documentation and regulatory compliance.
• Work with sales and operations to sustain high service levels.
• Identify improvements to processes and supplier performance.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Multi-modal logistics

Import/export procedures

Regulatory compliance

Customer liaison

Tools

CargoWise

Sequoia

BoxTop

Job description

Join a growing and highly regarded logistics business in a pivotal role supporting multiple entities across a broader group structure. This is an excellent opportunity for a freight forwarding professional with strong multi-modal experience to take ownership of operational activity across road, air and sea freight, working with both internal stakeholders and external partners globally.

Acting as a central point of contact, you will play a key role in ensuring shipments are managed efficiently, accurately and on time while developing strong relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for delivering exceptional operational service, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

Job Title: Freight Operations Specialist

Job Type: Southampton (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £32-35k dependent on experience

Benefits: Hybrid working and comprehensive benefits package

Reference no: 16178

Freight Operations Specialist – About The Role

As a Freight Operations Specialist, you will be responsible for supporting operational requirements across a network of group businesses and external customers. Managing shipments across road, air and sea freight, you will work closely with suppliers, overseas partners and internal teams to ensure freight movements are planned and executed efficiently.

Main Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage import and export shipments across road, air and sea freight.
• Support multiple business entities with their day-to-day operational requirements.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, overseas partners and internal teams to ensure shipments are delivered efficiently.
• Provide accurate and timely shipment updates to all relevant stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, customers and logistics partners.
• Support existing import and export operations teams where required.
• Ensure compliance with customs procedures, documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with sales, operations and wider business teams to deliver high service levels.
• Manage multiple operational priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and supplier performance.

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• A minimum of 4 years' freight forwarding operations experience.
• Exposure to multiple transport modes including particularly sea but also road and air freight.
• Strong knowledge of import and export procedures and associated commercial considerations.
• Good understanding of customs requirements and compliance processes.
• Experience working within fast-paced environments and managing competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of operational activity.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach with a strong attention to detail.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a multi-site or group business structure.
• Knowledge of Incoterms 2020 and their application within international trade.
• Established supplier relationships across road, air and sea freight networks.
• Experience using freight forwarding and logistics management systems such as CargoWise, BoxTop or Sequoia.

We comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.