Ocean Freight Coordinator

WR Logistics; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Discount Platform

Company pension scheme

Full training and development

Cycle to Work and car leasing

Wellbeing and mental health support

Recognition and rewards

Job summary

WR Logistics in Ipswich is seeking an organised Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator to join our busy operations team. You will manage ocean freight shipments, mainly imports from the Far East and Mediterranean, ensuring cargo moves smoothly from origin through to final delivery.

This role offers full training and development, with exposure to carriers, agents and customers, documentation, customs clearance, and cost monitoring to support profitability.

Qualifications

• Experience in ocean freight forwarding, imports operations
• Knowledge of FCL/LCL shipments
• Understanding of UK customs procedures and Port Health
• Familiarity with shipping documentation and Incoterms

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean freight imports from booking to final delivery, on schedule
• Manage FCL and LCL consignments with shipping lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, hauliers and warehouse partners
• Monitor vessel schedules, cargo arrivals and delivery arrangements; resolve delays
• Liaise with customers providing updates and responding to queries
• Prepare and check shipping documents (Bills of Lading, invoices, packing lists, delivery orders)
• Coordinate customs clearance and import formalities
• Work with Port Health, HMRC and other authorities to meet UK import requirements
• Maintain shipment files and tracking information

Skills

Customer-focused

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Tools

Incoterms

Job description

Ocean Freight Coordinator

Ipswich

Up to £33,000 DOE

We're looking for an organised and customer-focused Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator to join a busy operations team in the Ipswich area. You'll take responsibility for managing ocean freight shipments, primarily imports from the Far East and Mediterranean, ensuring cargo moves efficiently from origin through to final delivery.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a solid background in sea freight imports who enjoys building customer relationships, coordinating international shipments and keeping operations running smoothly.

Salary: Up to £33,000 depending on experience

Location: Ipswich

Hours: Monday to Friday

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Discount Platform
• Company pension scheme
• Full training and ongoing development opportunities.
• Cycle to Work and car leasing schemes.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and mental health support.
• Recognition and reward schemes, alongside regular team engagement activities

The Role

• Coordinate ocean freight imports from booking through to final delivery, ensuring shipments progress to schedule.
• Manage FCL and LCL consignments, working with shipping lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, hauliers and warehouse partners.
• Monitor vessel schedules, cargo arrivals and delivery arrangements, proactively resolving delays or issues.
• Liaise with customers throughout the shipment process, providing updates and responding to queries.
• Prepare and check shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and delivery orders.
• Coordinate customs clearance and ensure all relevant import formalities are completed correctly.
• Work with Port Health, HMRC and other relevant authorities to ensure shipments meet UK import requirements.
• Maintain accurate shipment files, tracking information and operational records.
• Monitor shipment costs and profitability, supporting accurate invoicing and effective cost control.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in ocean freight forwarding, particularly import operations.
• Good working knowledge of FCL and LCL shipments.
• Understanding of UK customs procedures and import compliance requirements, including Port Health processes.
• Familiarity with shipping documentation and Incoterms.
• A customer-focused approach, with confident communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of shipment costs and profitability.
• Ocean export experience would be beneficial, although the main focus of the position will be imports.