Ocean Import Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Office-based role

Job summary

White Recruitment Limited is partnering with a Denton-based freight forwarder to recruit an Ocean Import Operations Specialist. The role focuses on managing ocean import shipments (FCL/LCL), crafting competitive pricing, and coordinating with overseas agents to ensure smooth delivery.

The ideal candidate has strong customs knowledge, experience with invoicing, and a proven track record in import freight forwarding. Office-based, Monday–Friday, Denton, Manchester.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in import freight forwarding, ocean freight.
• Strong knowledge of both FCL and LCL imports.
• Experience preparing sea freight pricing and customer quotations.
• Air freight pricing experience would be an advantage.
• Experience liaising with overseas agents and arranging shipment bookings.
• Good understanding of customs clearance, import duties and VAT payments.
• Experience with shipment tracking and invoicing.

Responsibilities

• Manage ocean import shipments across FCL and LCL.
• Prepare import pricing for sea freight and, ideally, air freight.
• Produce accurate and competitive quotations for customers.
• Liaise with overseas agents to coordinate shipments and bookings.
• Manage customs clearance processes, including duties and VAT payments.
• Track shipments and keep customers updated on progress.
• Monitor shipments to meet timeframes and budgets.
• Raise invoices and record job costs and charges.

Skills

Ocean freight

FCL & LCL

Pricing & quotations

Customs clearance

Invoicing

Customer service

Shipment tracking

Agent liaison

Job description

Ocean Import Operations Specialist

Salary: GBP36000 - GBP40000 per annum

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.