Ocean Freight Import Coordinator

Simarco International; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary and benefits package

Job summary

Simarco International in Ipswich is seeking an experienced Ocean Freight Import Coordinator to manage Far East import shipments into the UK. You will coordinate bookings, oversee FCL and LCL movements, liaise with lines, agents, hauliers and customers to ensure timely delivery.

The role requires a minimum of five years in ocean freight imports, strong knowledge of UK customs procedures, Incoterms, and a customer-focused approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience within ocean freight imports or a similar freight forwarding role.
• Strong knowledge of Far East import shipping services into the UK.
• Experience handling both FCL and LCL shipments.
• Solid understanding of UK customs procedures, import arrival processes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing Port Health, HMRC, and related import compliance activities.
• Knowledge of shipping documentation including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, delivery orders, and certificates of origin.
• Good understanding of Incoterms and their practical application.

Responsibilities

• Manage ocean freight import shipments from booking through to final delivery.
• Handle both FCL and LCL/consolidation shipments, including direct shipping line and co-loader movements.
• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, warehouses, customs teams, and customers to ensure smooth shipment progression.
• Monitor vessel arrivals, transit milestones, and delivery schedules, proactively managing delays and communicating updates to customers.
• Deliver outstanding customer service while maintaining commercially competitive transport solutions.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support business growth and customer retention.
• Ensure accurate operational, financial, and tracking data is maintained within internal systems.
• Work closely with customs clearance and transport teams to ensure compliant cargo processing and delivery.
• Resolve operational queries, invoicing issues, claims, and service concerns professionally and efficiently.
• Support departmental KPI achievement relating to service quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Ocean freight imports

Far East import shipping

FCL/LCL shipments

UK customs procedures

Incoterms

Shipping documents

Excel

Client relationships

Communication skills

Education

Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain qualification

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Freight Import Coordinator

Location: Ipswich / Felixstowe area

Hours: 09:00 to 17:30 (to be included in early start Rota - 07:00 to 15:30) Monday to Friday

Simarco is an award-winning international logistics provider, driven by a deep understanding of the fast-paced nature of global trade. We specialise in delivering bespoke freight solutions across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, offering flexible, fully tailored services that are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Are you an experienced Ocean Freight Import Coordinator ready for your next challenge?

Join Simarco International, an award-winning and growing freight forwarder, where you'll play a pivotal role in managing Far East import shipments into the UK. We're looking for a driven and customer-focused sea freight professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong client relationships, and takes pride in delivering exceptional service. If you're passionate about operational excellence and want to be part of a business that values expertise, innovation and career development, we'd love to hear from you.

Here at Simarco, we believe that people are the heart of our business. It is their professionalism, dedication and experience that continues to be at the core of our success!

The Simarco Culture and values...

~ Communication ~ Innovation ~ Accountability ~ Integrity ~

Key Skills and Qualifications to succeed in this role:

Minimum 5 years' experience within ocean freight imports or a similar freight forwarding role.

Strong knowledge of Far East import shipping services into the UK.

Experience handling both FCL and LCL shipments.

Solid understanding of UK customs procedures, import arrival processes, and compliance requirements.

Experience managing Port Health, HMRC, and related import compliance activities.

Knowledge of shipping documentation including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, delivery orders, and certificates of origin.

Good understanding of Incoterms and their practical application.

Knowledge of shipping lines, vessel schedules, and transit times from the Far East.

Strong commercial awareness, including understanding file profitability and gross margins.

Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Freight Forwarding, Logistics, or Supply Chain qualification.
• Has the drive to go the extra mile for customers and colleagues.
• Thrives in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.

Manage ocean freight import shipments from booking through to final delivery.

Handle both FCL and LCL/consolidation shipments, including direct shipping line and co-loader movements.

Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, warehouses, customs teams, and customers to ensure smooth shipment progression.

Monitor vessel arrivals, transit milestones, and delivery schedules, proactively managing delays and communicating updates to customers.

Deliver outstanding customer service while maintaining commercially competitive transport solutions.

Build and maintain strong customer relationships to support business growth and customer retention.

Ensure accurate operational, financial, and tracking data is maintained within internal systems.

Work closely with customs clearance and transport teams to ensure compliant cargo processing and delivery.

Resolve operational queries, invoicing issues, claims, and service concerns professionally and efficiently.

Support departmental KPI achievement relating to service quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

We can offer you:

• We offer a highly competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
• Discount platform - including top high street retailers
• Full training and support
• Cycle to work & Tusker car scheme
• Learning Management System for continuous learning
• Mental health forum in place to support with well being

You’ll be joining a respected and growing logistics business where teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement are valued. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our ongoing growth while developing your own career within a supportive and dynamic environment.

If you have the experience, drive, and customer focus we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Simarco International is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and a respectful working environment.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and we value the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce brings.

We are driven by our core values of Integrity, Communication, Accountability, and Innovation, which influence how we work, collaborate, and grow as a business.