Ocean Operator

Rhenus Logistics; Bradford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhenus Logistics in the United Kingdom is seeking an Ocean Operator to join a busy Ocean Freight team. You will handle import and export shipments, take bookings from customers, agents and overseas offices, and manage the end-to-end process from booking to completion.

The role requires experience in ocean freight operations (LCL/FCL), knowledge of customs procedures including Duty and VAT, and strong IT skills with MS Office; full training on in-house systems is provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in Ocean Import and/or Ocean Export freight forwarding operations.
• Knowledge of both LCL and FCL shipment processes.
• Experience of customs procedures, including Duty and VAT processes.
• Good understanding of the freight forwarding and logistics industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously.
• Full training on in-house systems will be provided.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• A-Level qualifications would be advantageous.
• Relevant freight forwarding, logistics or customs qualifications would be beneficial but are not essential.

Responsibilities

• Receiving bookings from customers, agents and overseas offices.
• Raising files within the Rhenus software system.
• Preparing customs clearance instructions and shipping instructions.
• Liaising with shipping lines, carriers and other service providers.
• Monitoring vessel arrival and departure schedules.
• Ensuring all shipping and customs documentation is correctly presented and obtained.
• Processing customs clearances, including Duty and VAT requirements.
• Maintaining customer spreadsheets and shipment records where required.
• Costing files and ensuring accurate revenue and cost allocation.
• Raising invoices to customers, agents and overseas offices.
• Raising Duty and VAT invoices where applicable.
• Investigating and resolving file queries and shipment discrepancies.
• Ensuring compliance with company procedures and customs regulations.

Skills

Ocean freight forwarding

Shipment management

MS Office

Prioritisation

Freight software

GCSE English & Maths

A-Level qualifications

Customs procedures

Education

GCSE English and Maths

A-Level qualifications

Freight forwarding/logistics/customs qualifications

Tools

Freight forwarding software systems

Job description

What You Can Expect :

We are recruiting for an Ocean Operator to work within a busy Ocean Freight department. The role will involve working as part of a team to manage import and export shipments, receiving bookings from customers, agents and overseas offices, and completing all ocean freight requirements for both LCL and FCL shipments. Responsibilities will include customs clearance, shipping documentation, duty/VAT processing, and ensuring all freight movements are managed efficiently from booking through to completion.

At Rhenus, we believe everyone plays a crucial role. Whether you’re driving a truck, managing inventory or handling customer enquiries, your actions drive our success. We value practical solutions and quick decisions, empowering you to take ownership and make a difference.

Recognised as a top employer, and united by a common goal, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that encourages entrepreneurial spirit and continued growth and excellence.

The future isn’t just built by the company – it’s shaped by each of us, working together. Join our Rhenus community to make an impact and grow alongside a team of passionate people who are dedicated to making a difference. #empoweredbyyou

What You Bring:

Main duties:

• Receiving bookings from customers, agents and overseas offices.
• Raising files within the Rhenus software system.
• Preparing customs clearance instructions and shipping instructions.
• Liaising with shipping lines, carriers and other service providers.
• Monitoring vessel arrival and departure schedules.
• Ensuring all shipping and customs documentation is correctly presented and obtained.
• Processing customs clearances, including Duty and VAT requirements.
• Maintaining customer spreadsheets and shipment records where required.
• Costing files and ensuring accurate revenue and cost allocation.
• Raising invoices to customers, agents and overseas offices.
• Raising Duty and VAT invoices where applicable.
• Investigating and resolving file queries and shipment discrepancies.
• Ensuring compliance with company procedures and customs regulations.

What you bring:

• Experience in Ocean Import and/or Ocean Export freight forwarding operations.
• Knowledge of both LCL and FCL shipment processes.
• Experience of customs procedures, including Duty and VAT processes.
• Good understanding of the freight forwarding and logistics industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience using freight forwarding software systems would be advantageous.
• Full training on in-house systems will be provided.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• A-Level qualifications would be advantageous.
• Relevant freight forwarding, logistics or customs qualifications would be beneficial but are not essential.