Ocean Import Operator

WR Logistics; 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

Casual dress

Job summary

WR Logistics is seeking an experienced Ocean Import Operator in Northwich to oversee sea freight imports from enquiry to delivery. This role is hands-on, requiring a customer-focused approach and a drive to keep operations profitable and efficient.

You will coordinate with customers, overseas partners and UK suppliers, manage FCL/LCL imports, arrange customs clearance and monitor costs while maintaining accurate records.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in ocean freight operations, specifically ocean imports.
• Understanding of FCL and LCL import procedures.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple shipments.
• Commercial awareness including invoicing and margins.
• Confident communicator with a customer-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage FCL and LCL imports from booking to final delivery.
• Coordinate with overseas agents, shipping lines, hauliers and warehouses.
• Arrange customs clearance, transport and delivery requirements.
• Keep customers informed and proactively resolve queries or delays.
• Monitor shipment costs, check supplier invoices and raise sales invoices.
• Maintain control of job files, documentation and profitability.
• Manage demurrage, detention and other issues.
• Ensure import documentation and UK customs compliance.

Skills

Ocean freight imports

Customer service

Commercial awareness

Ownership / accountability

Strong communication

Job description

Ocean Import Operator

Location: Northwich, Cheshire

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

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
• Casual dress

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.