Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator

Simarco International; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave

Company pension

Discount platform

Full training and support

Cycle to work

Treat days

Learning Management System

Mental health forum

Simarco Stars

Job summary

Simarco International is seeking an Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator in the Ipswich area. You will own ocean freight shipments from booking to delivery, focusing on UK imports from the Far East and the Mediterranean, while supporting global operations as needed.

You will build trusted customer relationships, ensure compliance with UK import procedures, and work with tight deadlines in a collaborative team. The role offers a strong training culture and career development within logistics.

Qualifications

• Ocean freight import experience (3+ years) and export knowledge welcome.
• Familiar with FCL/LCL shipments and shipping lines or co-loaders.
• Solid understanding of UK customs formalities and import procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Coordinate FCL/LCL movements with shipping lines, co-loaders, agents, hauliers and customs teams.
• Track vessel arrivals, milestones and deliveries and inform customers of delays.
• Provide competitive transport solutions balancing service quality, cost and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, costs and tracking for visibility.
• Work with customs/transport teams to ensure compliant cargo processing.
• Resolve invoicing issues and service concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support colleagues across departments.

Skills

Ocean freight imports

FCL & LCL shipments

UK customs knowledge

Incoterms

Port Health & HMRC

Cost awareness

Excel

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Ocean Freight Import & Export Coordinator

Location: Ipswich / Felixstowe area

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 09:00 to 17:30 (to be included in early start rota 08:00 to 16:30) 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.

Join our operational team of 15 and take ownership of ocean freight shipments, build trusted customer relationships and help improve how we work. This role focuses on UK imports from the Far East and Mediterranean, with opportunities to support wider global import and export operations.

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 ~

What you'll bring -

• Ocean freight import experience, ideally three years or more. Export knowledge is welcome.
• Experience handling FCL and LCL shipments through shipping lines and co-loaders.
• Good knowledge of UK customs formalities and import arrival procedures.
• Experience handling Port Health, HMRC and related UK import compliance processes is essential.
• Understanding of shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, delivery orders and certificates of origin.
• Practical understanding of Incoterms.
• Commercial awareness, including shipment costs, file profitability and gross margins.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with careful attention to detail.
• Clear, confident communication and a helpful approach to customers and colleagues.
• A proactive mindset: anticipating problems, following through and finding solutions.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Enjoyment of teamwork and a willingness to support colleagues.

What you'll do

• Manage ocean freight shipments from booking to final delivery, primarily imports, meeting customer requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinate FCL and LCL/consolidation movements with shipping lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, hauliers, warehouses and customs teams.
• Track vessel arrivals, shipment milestones and deliveries, addressing delays early and keeping customers informed.
• Build customer trust through reliable service, clear communication and proactive problem solving, supporting retention and growth.
• Provide competitive transport solutions, balancing service quality, cost control and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate shipment records, costs, sales and tracking updates so customers and colleagues have clear visibility.
• Work with customs and transport teams to ensure compliant cargo processing and delivery.
• Help resolve operational queries, invoicing issues, claims and service concerns promptly and professionally.
• Support colleagues and communicate effectively across departments.

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
• Regular engagement initiative including treat days!
• Learning Management System for continuous learning
• Mental health forum in place to support with well being
• Simarco Stars - recognition & rewards

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.