Ocean Freight Operator - Import / Export

Manifest Recruitment Limited; Hockley Heath; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

20 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Manifest Recruitment Limited is seeking an Ocean Freight Operator to manage Ocean Import and Export shipments from start to finish in Solihull. The role focuses on accurate documentation, timely updates, and exceptional customer service across multiple global lanes.

You will coordinate with customers, overseas agents, carriers and service providers, ensuring shipments progress smoothly while maintaining strong relationships with key accounts. Office-based, Mon-Fri, with parking available.

Qualifications

• Experience in Ocean Import and/or Export operations.
• Strong knowledge of shipping terminology and documentation.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage shipments end-to-end with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage Ocean Import and/or Export shipments from start to finish.
• Prepare and process shipping documentation accurately.
• Coordinate shipments and monitor progress until delivery.
• Liaise with customers, overseas agents, carriers and service providers.
• Provide customers with regular shipment updates and build strong relationships.
• Collaborate with key accounts to meet their specific requirements.
• Handle invoicing and general operational administration.
• Work with the operations team to ensure smooth shipment flow.

Skills

Ocean Freight Forwarding

Customer Service

Communication

Organisation

Time Management

Multitasking

Tools

Modaltrans

Job description

Ocean Freight Operator - Import / Export

Freight Forwarding | Solihull

£29,000 - £35,000 DOE

We are currently working with an established freight forwarding business in Solihull looking to expand their Ocean Freight operations team.

This is a hands‑on operational role managing Ocean Import and/or Export shipments from start to finish, with a strong focus on customer service, accurate documentation and building strong relationships with key accounts.

The business handles predominantly Ocean Freight across a range of global trade lanes, including the Far East, South America, Europe, Indian Subcontinent and Middle East.

The role will involve:

• Managing Ocean Import and/or Export shipments from start to finish
• Preparing and processing shipping documentation
• Coordinating shipments and monitoring progress throughout
• Liaising with customers, overseas agents, carriers and other service providers
• Keeping customers informed with regular shipment updates
• Working closely with key accounts and understanding their individual requirements
• Handling invoicing and general operational administration
• Working closely with the wider operations team to ensure shipments run smoothly

What they're looking for:

• Previous experience within Ocean Freight Forwarding
• Strong Ocean Import and/or Export operational experience
• Good knowledge of shipping terminology and documentation
• Experience managing shipments through the operational lifecycle
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Good attention to detail, organisation and time management
• Self-motivated and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Modaltrans experience would be advantageous, but isn't essential

Additional information:

• Salary: £29,000 - £35,000 depending on experience
• Location: Solihull
• Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:15pm, with a one-hour lunch
• Office-based
• Free on-site parking
• 20 days holiday + bank holidays
• Holiday allowance increases to 24 days + bank holidays after 12 months
• Increases again to 25 days + bank holidays after 24 months
• Customs clearance is handled separately, so hands-on customs clearance experience isn't required

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Ocean Freight professional looking to take ownership of Import and/or Export operations within a growing freight forwarding business