Freight Operator - Import or Export

Right Now Group; Shepperton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Right Now Group is seeking an experienced Freight Operator - Import or Export to join a growing freight forwarding team near Sunbury-on-Thames. You will own shipments from start to finish, coordinating bookings, transport and customs, while liaising with customers and overseas partners.

The role requires experience in freight forwarding (import or export), exposure to air/sea/road freight, and strong organisation. Office-based with 9:00–17:30 hours, 21 days leave + bank holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience in freight forwarding operations, import or export.
• Experience managing shipments from start to finish.
• Exposure to air, sea or road freight.
• Knowledge of shipping documentation and UK HMRC procedures.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and proactive problem solving.
• Full, five-year referenceable history for aviation security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage import or export shipments from start to finish and own the process.
• Arrange collections and bookings with airlines, hauliers and others.
• Prepare and process shipping documentation and customs entries.
• Monitor shipments and address delays or issues proactively.
• Maintain communication with customers, agents and suppliers.
• Upload PODs and records to the freight management system.
• Manage job files and ensure accurate shipment information.
• Handle job costing, invoicing and cost control.
• Respond to queries with high levels of customer service.
• Cope with multiple shipments and meet deadlines.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Import/Export ops

Booking & transport

Customs procedures

Documentation

Customer service

Job description

Freight Operator - Import or Export

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Freight Operator - Import or Export to join our client, a growing freight forwarding business based near Sunbury-on-Thames.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight forwarding professional who can manage shipments from start to finish and take ownership of their own workload. We are open to candidates with either import or export experience , ideally with exposure to air, sea or road freight.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating shipments throughout the entire forwarding process, from initial bookings and transport arrangements through to customs clearance, documentation, shipment monitoring and final billing. You will work closely with customers, overseas agents, hauliers and other service providers to ensure shipments are handled efficiently and delivered within agreed timescales.

Key Responsibilities of a Freight Operator - Import or Export

• Manage import or export shipments from start to finish, taking ownership of the full operational process.
• Arrange collections, transport bookings and deliveries with airlines, hauliers, shipping lines and other service providers, as applicable.
• Prepare and process relevant shipping documentation and customs entries in line with UK HMRC requirements.
• Monitor shipments throughout the transport process, proactively addressing delays, discrepancies and operational issues.
• Maintain regular communication with customers, shippers, overseas agents and suppliers to ensure smooth shipment handling.
• Upload shipping documentation, proof of delivery (PODs) and relevant records to the freight management system.
• Maintain accurate job files, ensuring all shipment information and documentation are recorded correctly.
• Manage job costing, invoicing and cost control, ensuring charges are accurately recorded.
• Respond promptly to customer and agent queries, providing a high standard of customer service.
• Manage multiple shipments and competing priorities while meeting operational deadlines.

Skills & Experience Required for a Freight Operator - Import or Export

• Previous experience in freight forwarding operations , with a background in either import or export.
• Experience managing shipments from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Exposure to one or more modes of transport, including air, sea or road freight.
• Knowledge of relevant shipping documentation and UK HMRC customs procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when handling documentation and shipment records.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, customer service and operational challenges.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and adapt to changing customer requirements.
• A full, five-year referenceable history is required for aviation security clearance.

Salary & Benefits - Freight Operator - Import or Export

• Salary: £32,000 - £35,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Location: Sunbury-on-Thames.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30.
• Working Arrangement: Fully office-based, with no working from home.
• Annual Leave: 21 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing with each year of service.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight forwarding professional to join a growing business offering stability, career development and progression. The role would suit an operator who enjoys taking ownership of their shipments, working closely with customers and overseas partners, and managing the day-to-day requirements of a busy freight forwarding operation.