Ocean Freight Account Manager

Manifest Recruitment Limited; Braintree; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Monthly bonus scheme

Enhanced annual leave entitlement

Enhanced family leave benefits

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Career progression opportunities

Supportive and collaborative working环境

Great pension scheme

Great office in estate house withViews

Job summary

Manifest Recruitment Limited is seeking an Ocean Freight Account Manager to lead day-to-day operations, optimise costs, and act as the primary contact for clients, carriers and internal teams across international shipments.

You will manage bookings, liaise with shipping lines, monitor performance, ensure regulatory compliance and contribute to cost control and customer satisfaction in a growing logistics business.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience within Ocean Freight Forwarding.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, shipping documentation, customs procedures, and Incoterms.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Commercially aware with experience negotiating rates and managing customer accounts.
• Proficiency in logistics software and systems (e.g., Xsped or similar).

Responsibilities

• Manage daily ocean freight operations, including booking, scheduling, and tracking shipments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, handling inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining strong relationships.
• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist in preparing and managing costs
• Monitor shipments and provide regular updates to customers.
• Ensure compliance with customs requirements, Incoterms, and international shipping regulations.
• Review operational costs, support profitability, and assist with invoice accuracy.
• Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance, key metrics, and other relevant data.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision‑making processes by providing insights based on data analysis.

Skills

Ocean freight operations

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Communication

Excel

Tools

Xsped

Excel

Job description

Job Specification - Ocean Freight Account Manager - £30k - £33k

Role Overview

You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities as a single point of contact, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, optimising freight costs, and ensuring smooth communication between clients, carriers, and internal teams. You will be responsible for retention and development, working alongside colleagues in a similar role and assisting the commercial manager on the procurement of new business to ensure efficient, on‑time delivery and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily ocean freight operations, including booking, scheduling, and tracking shipments.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, handling inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining strong relationships.
• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, suppliers, and internal departments to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist in preparing and managing costs
• Monitor shipments and provide regular updates to customers.
• Ensure compliance with customs requirements, Incoterms, and international shipping regulations.
• Review operational costs, support profitability, and assist with invoice accuracy.
• Prepare and present regular reports on operational performance, key metrics, and other relevant data.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision‑making processes by providing insights based on data analysis.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years' experience within Ocean Freight Forwarding.
• Strong knowledge of ocean freight operations, shipping documentation, customs procedures, and Incoterms.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Commercially aware with experience negotiating rates and managing customer accounts.
• Possesses good IT skills and experienced in using Microsoft Office, in particular ExcelGood
• Proficiency in logistics software and systems (e.g., FCL, Xsped or similar).
• A proactive, reliable, and team‑oriented approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Multi Modal experience is desirable but not necessary

What They Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Monthly bonus scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement.
• Enhanced family leave benefits.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Career progression opportunities within a growing logistics business.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Great pension scheme.
• Great office in estate house with fantastic views of the grounds