Sea & Air Freight Operator

Detail 2 Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided on systems

Job summary

Detail 2 Limited in Manchester is seeking an experienced Sea & Air Freight Operator to manage end-to-end import operations for a major client. The role covers deep sea LCL/FCL and air freight, including quotations, bookings, customs clearance, invoicing and delivery, with a strong focus on service quality and operational efficiency.

You will work closely with customers, overseas agents, carriers and internal teams to coordinate shipments from quotation through to completion, ensuring accurate

Qualifications

• Experience in sea/air freight imports and end-to-end shipment management.
• Knowledge of deep sea LCL, FCL and air freight imports.
• Familiarity with freight rates, quotations, and customs documentation.
• Ability to manage shipments from quotation to delivery and invoicing.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end LCL, FCL and air freight import operations for a major client.
• Obtain and negotiate freight rates, prepare quotations and manage pricing enquiries.
• Arrange bookings with shipping lines, airlines, overseas agents and suppliers.
• Monitor shipments and keep customers updated on progress and delays.
• Coordinate pre-alerts, customs documentation, cargo release, collections and deliveries.
• Prepare arrival notices, shipment documentation and customer invoices.
• Check supplier invoices, manage freight costs and resolve billing discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update operational systems.
• Act as the main customer contact, resolving queries and operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency and account profitability.
• Support colleagues and other departments when required.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and industry regulations.

Skills

Freight forwarding experience

Sea & air freight knowledge

Import operations

Quotation & pricing

Shipment coordination

Customs clearance

Customer management

Negotiating freight rates

Documentation & compliance

Time management

Tools

Freight forwarding systems

Job description

Sea & Air Freight Operator - Deep Sea LCL & FCL - Freight Forwarding - Manchester - £35,000-£45,000

About the Company

Our client is an established international freight forwarding business providing sea freight, air freight, customs and logistics solutions worldwide.

They are looking to recruit an experienced Sea & Air Freight Operator to manage the import operations for one of their major clients.

The role involves managing the full end-to-end import process across deep sea LCL, FCL and air freight, covering quotations, bookings, shipment coordination, customs clearance, cargo release, delivery and invoicing.

You will take ownership of shipments from start to finish, working closely with customers, overseas agents, carriers, hauliers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure excellent service and operational efficiency.

Sea & Air Freight Operator - The Details

• £35,000-£45,000, DOE
• Monday to Friday, fully office-based
• Training provided on relevant operational and customs systems
• Responsibility for a major client's international import operations
• Varied role covering sea and air freight, quotations, pricing, customs and invoicing
• Full end-to-end shipment management
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Flexibility to assist other departments when required

Sea & Air Freight Operator - Requirements

• Previous freight forwarding experience, ideally across sea, air and import operations
• Knowledge of deep sea LCL, FCL and air freight imports
• Experience with freight forwarding systems and knowledge of BIFA Terms and Conditions is advantageous
• Understanding of international freight procedures, documentation and customs clearance
• Experience managing shipments from quotation through to completion
• Knowledge of shipping lines, airlines, overseas agents and hauliers
• Commercial awareness and experience obtaining, negotiating and managing freight rates
• Ability to manage customer accounts and day-to-day operational requirements
• Strong customer service, communication and relationship-building skills
• Excellent organisation, attention to detail and time management
• Ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and taking ownership
• Flexible approach with a willingness to support the wider business

Sea & Air Freight Operator - Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end LCL, FCL and air freight import operations for a major client
• Obtain and negotiate freight rates, prepare quotations and manage pricing enquiries
• Arrange bookings with shipping lines, airlines, overseas agents and suppliers
• Monitor shipments and keep customers updated on progress and delays
• Coordinate pre-alerts, customs documentation, cargo release, collections and deliveries
• Prepare arrival notices, shipment documentation and customer invoices
• Check supplier invoices, manage freight costs and resolve billing discrepancies
• Maintain accurate shipment records and update operational systems
• Act as the main customer contact, resolving queries and operational issues
• Identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency and account profitability
• Support colleagues and other departments when required
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and industry regulations