Ocean Import Freight Operator / Sea Freight Import Specialist

ALS Recruiting Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Annual leave

Job summary

ALS Recruiting Ltd is seeking an experienced Ocean Imports Operator in Manchester to manage high-volume deep-sea ocean import consignments. The role offers autonomy, stability, and growth within a global freight forwarding network.

You will own the end-to-end process from origin bookings to UK port delivery, handle import documentation and customs, and collaborate with carriers and agents to optimize transit times. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven background in ocean import freight forwarding operations.
• Solid understanding of deep-sea ocean import documentation and UK import customs procedures.
• Hands-on experience with freight platforms like CargoWise One or MultiFreight.

Responsibilities

• Own ocean import files (FCL & LCL) across international trade lanes from origin booking to UK port arrival and final delivery.
• Prepare UK import customs entries, Bills of Lading, and shipping documents in compliance with import regulations.
• Coordinate with carriers, overseas agents and hauliers to secure rates and optimize transit times.
• Act as primary operational contact for key client accounts with milestone tracking and issue resolution.
• Oversee job costing, audit supplier charges, and bill clients to protect margins.

Skills

Ocean import freight forwarding

CargoWise / MultiFreight

Tools

CargoWise One

Job description

Location: Manchester, UK

Salary: Up to £38,000 + Benefits (DOE)

A leading global freight forwarder in Manchester is hiring an experienced Ocean Imports Operator to manage high-volume deep-sea ocean import consignments. If you want operational autonomy, excellent job stability, and strong international growth potential within sea freight imports, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ocean Import Freight Desk: Take complete ownership of ocean import files (FCL & LCL) across international trade lanes, managing shipments from initial origin booking straight through to UK port arrival and final delivery.
• Import Customs & Documentation: Prepare and process crucial UK import customs entries, Bills of Lading (MBL/HBL), and shipping documentation in full compliance with UK import regulations.
• Supply Chain & Carrier Coordination: Work alongside ocean carriers, shipping lines, overseas freight agents, and domestic hauliers to secure competitive ocean freight rates and optimize import transit times.
• Key Account Management: Act as the primary operational contact for key client accounts, delivering real-time milestone tracking updates and proactively resolving route bottlenecks.
• File Profitability: Oversee ocean import job costing, audit supplier charges, and execute accurate client billing to protect file margins.

Requirements:

• Proven background in ocean import freight forwarding operations.
• Solid understanding of deep-sea ocean import documentation, Incoterms, and UK import customs procedures.
• Hands-on experience using freight platforms like CargoWise One, MultiFreight, or similar system environments.
• Sharp problem-solving ability and strong attention to detail under tight port and shipping cut-off deadlines.
• Competitive basic salary up to £38,000 dependent on experience.
• Structured career growth paths within a global freight forwarding network.
• Comprehensive benefits package and a generous annual leave allowance.