Ocean Import Operator

White Recruitment Limited; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator in Lichfield to manage end-to-end ocean import shipments from origin to final delivery. You will liaise with shipping lines, agents, hauliers and customers, ensuring timely documentation and customs compliance, and coordinating UK haulage for delivery.

The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple shipments simultaneously in a growing freight forwarding

Qualifications

• Experience in ocean freight forwarding and import operations.
• Strong organisational and time-management capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple shipments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from initial booking through to final delivery.
• Manage FCL and LCL import shipments from international origins into the UK.
• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, customs teams and customers.
• Monitor vessel schedules, arrivals and delays; keep customers updated.
• Arrange UK haulage and final delivery requirements.
• Prepare import documentation including Bills of Lading and arrival notices.
• Coordinate with customs teams for timely clearance.
• Receive shipment information from overseas agents and customers.
• Handle queries on delays, documentation issues, demurrage and detention.
• Maintain accurate records in internal systems.

Skills

Ocean freight forwarding

Import operations

Time management

Attention to detail

Customer liaison

Job description

Job title: Ocean Import Coordinator

Location: Lichfield, WS14

Salary: £28,000 – £35,000 DOE

Ocean Import Coordinator Overview

We are looking for an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator to join an established UK-based freight forwarding business. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating ocean import shipments from origin through to final delivery, ensuring all documentation, customs requirements, transport arrangements and customer communications are managed accurately and efficiently. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Ocean Import Coordinator who is looking to join a growing freight forwarding business and play a key role within the operations team.

Ocean Import Coordinator Responsibilities

• Coordinate ocean import shipments from initial booking through to final delivery.


• Manage FCL and LCL import shipments from international origins into the UK.


• Liaise with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, customs teams and customers to ensure shipments move efficiently.


• Monitor vessel schedules, arrivals, transhipments and potential delays, keeping customers updated throughout the process.


• Arrange UK haulage and final delivery requirements.


• Prepare and process import documentation, including Bills of Lading, arrival notices and delivery instructions.


• Coordinate with customs teams to ensure shipments are cleared correctly and on time.


• Ensure all relevant import documentation and information is received from overseas agents and customers.


• Handle queries relating to shipments, including delays, documentation issues, demurrage and detention.


• Update internal systems with accurate shipment information and maintain clear operational records.


• Liaise with overseas offices and agents to ensure smooth communication throughout the shipment lifecycle.


• Assist with resolving operational issues and proactively identify potential problems before they impact the customer.

Ocean Import Coordinator Requirements

• Previous experience within ocean freight forwarding, specifically import operations.


• Good understanding of the UK ocean import process, from vessel arrival through to final delivery.


• Experience handling FCL and/or LCL shipments.


• Knowledge of UK import customs procedures and documentation.


• Experience dealing with shipping lines, hauliers, overseas agents and customers.


• Strong organisational and time-management skills.


• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.

• Experience arranging UK haulage and delivery appointments.


• Experience dealing with demurrage and detention.


• Previous experience working with international freight forwarding networks and overseas agents.

Tagged as: Freight Forwarding, imports, Logistics, Ocean Freight, sea freight