Ocean Freight Operations Apprentice

DHL; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is looking for an apprentice International Freight Forwarder who will manage customer logistics for shipping via air, ocean, and road. Responsibilities include responding to inquiries, ensuring compliance with customs procedures, and maintaining communication with various departments. The candidate must have minimum GCSE qualifications in English and Maths, with emphasis on communication and organization skills. This role offers a salary starting at £14,918.80 with opportunities for increases and a structured training program.

Qualifications

• Minimum GCSE in English, Maths, and any three subjects.
• Skills in communication, organization, IT, and team working required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support customer logistics for international freight.
• Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Liaise with departments on shipment planning and coordination.
• Prepare customs declarations and manage documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

IT skills

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Administrative skills

Number skills

Team working

Education

GCSE English (minimum grade C or 4)

GCSE Maths (minimum grade C or 4)

Any three GCSEs (minimum grade C or 4)

Job description

Overview

We will develop you into an International Freight Forwarder, whose overall aim is to manage or support our customers' logistics by arranging the movement of Freight via Air or Ocean, and /or Road. This can include Exporting and Importing Goods from and to the UK and across the World. The main focus will be working in the Ocean Freight Department.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all customer enquiries are responded to promptly and professionally.
• Learn and adhere to Customs Compliance procedures and documentation requirements.
• Ensure each 'Job File' is fully and accurately completed.
• Work with Carriers and Handling Agents to resolve exceptions and discrepancies as they arise.
• Work with DGF departments on Ocean planning and coordination of shipments.
• Liaise with DGF Transport & Warehouse teams on Ocean or planning and coordination of shipments.
• Liaise with overseas offices on Ocean or Air freight planning and coordination of shipments.
• Maintain mandatory milestones through the Company's Freight Forwarding system.
• Use company systems to create, manage and maintain the movement of freight.
• Ensure that all interactions are compliant with DPDHL Code of Conduct and other compliance requirements, e.g. anti-corruption.
• Contribute to the 'First Choice' continuous improvement program.
• Participate in Monthly Team briefing sessions and weekly performance dialog meetings.
• Complete all statutory and mandatory training as and when required.
• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, taking into account country specific factors, delivery and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems in order to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan and monitor international shipments, using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with the rules and regulations that apply to that area of the world and to the goods consigned.
• Prepare a customs declaration to a national standard, or give custom clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit the information required by customs authorities as part of the management of the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile or sales contract.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems in line with responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and the audience.
• Identify problems outside of limits of responsibility and Escalate within company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing communications on technical matters.
• Communicate with others verbally, including internal and external customers.
• Air. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Air. Select and use documentation appropriate to the air freight industry.
• Ocean. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Ocean. Select and use documentation appropriate to the ocean freight industry.
• Road. Use and adapt terminology appropriate to the road freight industry.
• Road. Select and use documentation appropriate to the road freight industry.

Apprenticeship Program

• Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship English and mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3.
• Allocation of an apprenticeship delivery coach who will carry out regular training.
• Assessment and support visits to ensure you acquire new learning, knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to progress and develop.
• Identify, track and support 6 hours off the job training activities.
• Quarterly formal progress review meetings, identifying learning achievements and next steps.

Qualifications

• GCSE in:
• Any x 3 (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
• English (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
• Maths (grade Minimum Grade C or 4)
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Team working

Salary & Benefits

• £14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
• Salary increases to £15600.00 in April 2026 and reviewed after 12 months
• Hours Monday to Friday between 9am - 5.30pm. 38 hours a week
• Start date Monday 19 January 2026
• Duration 1 year 6 months
• Training course: International freight forwarding specialist (level 3)