Ocean Import Operator

White Recruitment Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Import Operations Specialist in Denton, Manchester is sought by an established freight forwarding business. You will manage import shipments end-to-end (FCL and LCL), prepare competitive pricing, and coordinate with overseas agents to secure bookings.

You will handle customs clearance, duty and VAT payments, track shipments, produce quotations, raise invoices, and keep customers informed. This is a full-time, office-based role with responsibilities across operational and commercial aspects

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in import freight forwarding, with emphasis on ocean freight.
• Experience in preparing sea freight pricing and customer quotations.
• Knowledge of customs procedures, duties and VAT payments.

Responsibilities

• Manage ocean import shipments (FCL and LCL) from start to finish.
• Prepare import pricing and competitive quotations for customers.
• Liaise with overseas agents to coordinate bookings and shipments.
• Handle customs clearance and duty/VAT payments.
• Track shipments and keep customers informed of progress.
• Raise invoices and ensure accurate job costing and charges.
• Resolve day-to-day operational issues and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Ocean freight

Pricing & quotes

Customer service

Agent liaison

Job description

Ocean Import Operations Specialist

Location: Denton, Manchester
Salary: £36,000 – £40,000 per annum
Working Hours: Monday to Friday
Working Arrangement: Full-time, office-based

Are you an experienced Ocean Import Operator looking for your next challenge? Do you have a strong background in FCL and LCL imports, alongside experience with pricing, customer quotations and customs procedures?

We’re working with an established freight forwarding business in Denton, Manchester, who are looking to recruit a highly experienced Ocean Import Operations Specialist to join their team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who understands the full import process, enjoys managing shipments from start to finish and is confident handling both the operational and commercial aspects of freight forwarding.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for managing import shipments, preparing competitive pricing, coordinating with overseas agents and ensuring shipments move smoothly through to final delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing ocean import shipments across both FCL and LCL.
• Preparing import pricing for sea freight and, ideally, air freight.
• Producing accurate and competitive quotations for customers.
• Liaising with overseas agents to coordinate shipments and confirm bookings.
• Managing customs clearance processes, including duty and VAT payments.
• Tracking shipments and keeping customers updated on progress.
• Monitoring shipments to ensure they move efficiently and arrive within the required timeframes.
• Raising invoices and ensuring job costs and charges are accurately recorded.
• Resolving day-to-day operational issues and keeping customers and partners informed.
• Building strong relationships with customers, overseas agents and suppliers.

About You

We’re looking for a highly experienced import professional who can confidently manage shipments while delivering excellent customer service.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Extensive experience in import freight forwarding, particularly ocean freight.
• A strong working knowledge of both FCL and LCL imports.
• Experience preparing sea freight pricing and customer quotations.
• Air freight pricing experience would be a definite advantage.
• Experience liaising with overseas agents and arranging shipment bookings.
• A good understanding of customs clearance, import duties and VAT payments.
• Experience with shipment tracking, job costing and invoicing.

What’s on Offer?

• Salary of £36,000 – £40,000, depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday working week.
• Full-time, office-based position in Denton, Manchester.
• An opportunity to take ownership of a varied import role within an established freight forwarding business.

Tagged as: air frieght, exports, imports, sea freight, team leader