Import Operator

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

DP World in the UK is seeking an Ocean Freight Import Operator to manage and coordinate inbound ocean freight imports from origin to final delivery. You will handle documentation, communicate with partners, track shipments, and ensure CDS compliance with a focus on accuracy and customer service.

The role requires at least 3 years in ocean freight imports, familiarity with LCL/FCL, and knowledge of INCOTERMS and UK customs processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in ocean freight import operations.
• Experience with LCL and FCL shipments.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate inbound ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Prepare and process documents: bills of lading, arrival notices, customs clearance, delivery orders.
• Communicate with agents, shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, delivery points, and customers.
• Track shipments and manage exceptions and delays.
• Submit import declarations to HMRC via CDS.
• Verify and process supplier invoices.
• Maintain shipment records and update internal systems.
• Resolve discrepancies in shipments, documentation, or billing.
• Collaborate with sales and transport teams to support operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service with timely status updates.
• Ensure compliance with UK import regulations and internal procedures.

Skills

Ocean freight imports

Documentation & compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Education

GCSEs (Level 2) or equivalent

Degree in Logistics / International Trade / Supply Chain (advantage)

BIFA IFF Apprenticeship or freight qualifications preferred

Tools

CNS/Destin8

ASM Sequoia

Job description

DP World in the UKis at the heart of Europe’s trading future, providing the right trading infrastructure, smart logistical solutions, and the benefits of freeport status to our customers. We are the leading provider of data-driven logistics, deploying industry-leading technology to further broaden our digital vision to disrupt world trade, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies, and our planet.

We are on a journey to become the leading end-to-end logistics solution provider and Freight is a key part of this journey. Our forwarding division is now established in the UK and primed for growth.

TheOcean Freight Import Operatorrole is essential in managing and coordinating ocean freight import operations from origin to final delivery. This role ensures timely, efficient, and compliant movement of goods while maintaining high standards of customer service and operational excellence.

Our ideal candidate will have experience in ocean freight imports, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to logistics coordination.

Location:Sale, Manchester

Hours:Monday – Friday

Contract:Permanent

About the Role

How you will contribute:

• Coordinate and monitor inbound ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Prepare and process documentation including bills of lading, arrival notices, customs clearance paperwork, and delivery orders.
• Communicate effectively with agents, shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, delivery points, and customers.
• Track shipments and proactively manage exceptions and delays.
• Submit accurate import declarations to HMRC via the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
• Verify and process supplier invoices.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update internal systems.
• Resolve discrepancies related to shipments, documentation, or billing.
• Liaise with internal teams (sales, transport) to support operational flow.
• Deliver excellent customer service and provide timely status updates.
• Ensure compliance with UK import regulations and internal procedures.

What you will bring

Qualifications

• GCSEs (Level 2 or equivalent) required.
• A degree in Logistics, International Trade, or Supply Chain is an advantage.
• BIFA IFF Apprenticeship or other freight-related qualifications preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years in ocean freight import operations, ideally within freight forwarding or logistics.
• Experience with both LCL (Less than Container Load) and FCL (Full Container Load) shipments.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge

• Solid understanding of INCOTERMS, ocean freight documentation, and UK customs import regulations including CDS.
• Familiarity with customs processes and tariff classification.
• Experience using logistics systems such as CNS/Destin8 and ASM Sequoia.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market-competitive compensation package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

We're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

DP World is on a mission to transcend boundaries and bridge the gap between all nations and cultures – not just in what we do but also in how we behave.

We are dedicated to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity drives innovation and growth and helps us connect people, businesses, and societies. Free minds and different perspectives are changing our world, and together we can change what’s possible.

The DP World family comprises of Edge, syncreon, Imperial and P&O.
WE MAKE TRADE FLOW TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.