Ocean Import Operator

White Recruitment Limited; Northwich; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working after probation

Company pension scheme

Free on-site parking and EV charging

25 days' annual leave plus bank hols

Job summary

White Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Operator in Northwich, England. This hands-on role involves managing ocean import shipments from enquiry to delivery, with a focus on customer service and profitability.

The position offers hybrid working, salary £28,000–£40,000 depending on experience, and standard benefits. You will coordinate with overseas partners and UK suppliers to ensure efficient, compliant operations.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in ocean freight operations, handling ocean imports.
• Good understanding of FCL and LCL import procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple shipments.
• Commercial awareness including job costing, invoicing and margin control.
• Confident communication and customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a varied workload of ocean import shipments, coordinating with customers, overseas partners and UK suppliers.
• Manage FCL and LCL imports from booking and quotation through to final delivery.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, hauliers and warehouses.
• Arrange customs clearance, transport and delivery requirements.
• Keep customers informed and resolve queries or delays proactively.
• Monitor shipment costs, check supplier invoices and raise accurate sales invoices.
• Maintain control of job files, documentation and shipment profitability.
• Manage demurrage, detention and unexpected operational issues.
• Ensure import documentation and customs procedures meet UK regulatory requirements.

Skills

Ocean freight imports

Client communication

Organisational skills

Commercial awareness

Costing & invoicing

Job description

Ocean Import Operator (515104) Northwich, England

Salary: GBP28000 - GBP40000 per annum + Hybrid Working

Are you an experienced Ocean Import Operator looking for your next opportunity with a company that values good customer service, commercial awareness and taking ownership?

We're looking for someone with a solid background in sea freight imports to manage shipments from initial enquiry through to final delivery. This is a hands-on role where you'll be trusted to keep operations running smoothly, build strong customer relationships and ensure shipments are handled efficiently and profitably.

What's on offer?

Salary of £28,000-£40,000, depending on experience

Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid working, with up to two days from home after probation

Company pension scheme

Free on-site parking and EV charging

The role

You'll oversee a varied workload of ocean import shipments, coordinating with customers, overseas partners and UK suppliers to ensure everything runs to plan.

Your responsibilities will include:

Managing FCL and LCL imports from booking and quotation through to final delivery.

Coordinating with overseas agents, shipping lines, hauliers and warehouses.

Arranging customs clearance, transport and delivery requirements.

Keeping customers informed and resolving queries or delays proactively.

Monitoring shipment costs, checking supplier invoices and raising accurate sales invoices.

Maintaining control of job files, documentation and shipment profitability.

Managing demurrage, detention and unexpected operational issues.

Ensuring import documentation and customs procedures meet UK regulatory requirements.

What we're looking for

At least two years' experience in ocean freight operations, specifically handling ocean imports.

A good understanding of FCL and LCL import procedures.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.

Commercial awareness, including job costing, invoicing and margin control.

Confident communication skills and a customer-focused approach.