Ocean Logistics

Career Hive; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Career Hive in Ipswich is seeking an Ocean Freight specialist to design and deliver end-to-end import/export solutions for global clients. You will negotiate rates with shipping lines and partners, develop pricing, and manage quotations and client relationships.

Ideal candidates have a proven track record in Ocean Freight, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of Incoterms. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in industry events across the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in Ocean Freight and commercial development.
• Experience sourcing and negotiating rates with shipping lines and global logistics providers.
• Strong understanding of Incoterms and end-to-end supply chain processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver customised import and export ocean freight solutions for global clients and international partners.
• Negotiate competitive freight rates and value-added services with shipping lines, NVOCCs, overseas partners, and service providers.
• Support commercial growth by creating strategic solutions, detailed pricing, and accurate customer quotations.
• Cultivate and maintain key relationships with clients, suppliers, carriers, and global strategic partners.
• Drive trade lane expansion, product growth, and partnership development across key global markets.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams to achieve departmental targets and organisational goals.
• Partner with Ocean Freight, Customs, Transport, Warehousing, and Fulfilment teams to deliver end-to-end logistics solutions.
• Manage client enquiries from initial consultation through to quotation, booking, and handover.
• Represent the business at client meetings, supplier negotiations, networking events, and industry conferences.

Skills

Ocean Freight

Freight procurement

Commercial development

Negotiation

Client relationship management

Incoterms knowledge

Tools

CRM system

Job description

Job Summary

Due to growth our client, a very successful and reputable freight forwarder in Ipswich, are looking for people with Ocean Freight experience to join their team and become a vital driver of global trade operations.

The Role

• Design and deliver customised import and export ocean freight solutions for global clients and international partners.
• Negotiate competitive freight rates and value-added services with shipping lines, NVOCCs, overseas partners, and service providers.
• Support commercial growth by creating strategic solutions, detailed pricing, and accurate customer quotations.
• Cultivate and maintain key relationships with clients, suppliers, carriers, and global strategic partners.
• Drive trade lane expansion, product growth, and partnership development across key global markets.
• Collaborate closely across cross-functional teams to consistently achieve departmental targets and organisational goals.
• Partner with Ocean Freight, Customs, Transport, Warehousing, and Fulfilment departments to deliver end-to-end logistics solutions.
• Manage client enquiries from initial consultation through to quotation, booking, and operational handover.
• Maintain accurate records of quotes, commercial opportunities, and client profiles within the internal CRM system.
• Represent the business at client meetings, supplier negotiations, networking events, and industry conferences across the UK and internationally.
• Champion continuous improvement, business growth, and high-quality customer service while upholding core company values.

Experience Desired

• Prove track record in Ocean Freight, freight procurement, and commercial business development.
• Experience sourcing and negotiating rates with shipping lines and global logistics providers.
• Commercially aware
• Experience expanding trade lanes, driving product growth, and securing new commercial opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, international shipping practices, and end-to-end supply chain processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and client relationship management capabilities.