Multimodal Operator (Sea Freight)

Workforce Staffing; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics recruitment firm based in Birmingham is looking for an Ocean Freight / Multimodal Operator to manage import and export shipments. The role focuses on operational tasks including documentation, liaising with logistics partners, and ensuring compliant shipment processing. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years' hands-on sea freight operations experience and strong attention to detail. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £33,500 to £36,000 and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Attendance bonus eligibility after 6 months

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' hands-on sea freight operations experience.
• Proven experience completing operational shipping tasks.
• Strong understanding of international forwarding processes.
• Experience with customs clearance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage sea freight import and export files end-to-end.
• Prepare and manage Shipping Instructions and Bill of Lading.
• Liaise with shipping lines, agents, and customs brokers.
• Arrange customs clearance and port handling.

Skills

Sea freight operations experience

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Specification - Ocean Freight / Multimodal Operator
Hours: 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday
Salary: £33,500 - £36,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: South Birmingham

Role Overview

We are seeking an organised, detail-driven Ocean Freight / Multimodal Operator to join an expanding team based in Birmingham.

This role is hands‑on and operational, with a clear focus on day‑to‑day sea freight import and export shipments. The successful candidate will be directly responsible for managing individual consignments, completing operational documentation, liaising with carriers and agents, and ensuring shipments move compliantly and efficiently from booking through to final delivery.

This role is not an account management or sales‑led position. While it includes a light commercial element, the emphasis is firmly on operational execution rather than commercial ownership of freight accounts.

You will also gain exposure to airfreight and road freight operations as part of your development into a fully multimodal operator. Full training will be provided for non‑sea modes.

Key Responsibilities

Ocean Freight - Operational Responsibilities (Core Focus)

• Manage sea freight import and export files end-to-end, from booking to final delivery
• Prepare, submit, and manage Shipping Instructions (SI) and Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
• Draft, amend, and release Bills of Lading (OBL, SWB, Telex Release)
• Handle regulatory and security filings including AMS, ENS, ISF, IC2, where applicable
• Liaise directly with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, depots, and customs brokers
• Arrange customs clearance, port handling, and onward delivery
• Monitor vessel schedules, delays, and rollovers, providing proactive customer updates
• Resolve shipment-level operational issues promptly and professionally
• Ensure all files are accurately costed, invoiced, and fully documented
• Maintain accurate shipment records within the operating system
• Monitor customer and supplier credit limits in line with company policy

This role requires direct involvement in operational tasks rather than oversight or delegation.

Multimodal Support (Training Provided)

• Support airfreight and road freight bookings as required
• Develop practical knowledge across multimodal forwarding operations
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery

Commercial Responsibilities (Secondary / Light Touch)

• Make outbound calls to existing and prospective customers
• Follow up on quotations, service enquiries, and opportunities
• Build strong customer relationships through professional, consultative communication
• Understand customer requirements and recommend suitable freight solutions
• Support wider multimodal growth in collaboration with sales and operations teams

These activities are consultative and service‑led; the role remains primarily operational.

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years' hands‑on sea freight operations experience (imports and/or exports)
• Proven experience completing operational shipping tasks, not just overseeing accounts
• Strong understanding of international forwarding and documentation processes
• Experience with customs clearance and regulatory requirements
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with customers, agents, and suppliers
• Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• Airfreight or road freight experience is advantageous but not essential

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, compliant handling of sea freight shipments
• Proactive and professional customer communication
• Timely preparation and submission of operational documentation
• Effective resolution of shipment‑level issues
• Accurate costing, invoicing, and file management
• Growing competence across air and road freight operations
• Strong teamwork and reliable day‑to‑day performance

What You Can Expect

• Competitive salary (£33,500 - £36,000 DOE)
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Exposure to sea, air, and road freight operations
• Opportunity to broaden skills and progress within freight forwarding
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Eligibility for attendance bonus after 6 months

Submit CV to fcampbellweareworkforce.co.uk