Sea Logistics Reefer Customer Care Specialist

Kuehne+Nagel; Ashford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel in the UK is seeking a Sea Logistics specialist for a 16‑month fixed‑term contract to coordinate UK sea freight shipments. You will work closely with customers, hauliers, shipping lines and UK authorities to ensure a reliable, high‑quality service.

The role requires strong UK customs clearance experience, CHED processing knowledge and Port Health collaboration, with potential to lead the team and enhance customer satisfaction in a dynamic operation.

Qualifications

• Proven customs clearance experience for UK sea shipments.
• Port Health/Port Authorities/UK Border Force clearance experience.
• Experience processing CHED-D, CHED-P, CHED-PP and organic applications.
• Experience in Sea Logistics or freight forwarding environment.
• Strong customer service and English communication skills.
• Proficient English written and spoken communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• MS Office and related systems proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for customers, hauliers and overseas agents, coordinating daily operational activities.
• Manage customs clearance for sea freight shipments entering the UK.
• Provide customers with accurate and timely updates on shipment arrivals and merchant haulage deliveries.
• Liaise with Port Health, Port Authorities and UK Border Force to resolve clearance issues.
• Process CHED‑D, CHED‑P, CHED‑PP and organic applications accurately and efficiently.
• Coordinate with shipping lines regarding DROs and other operational enquiries.
• Manage customer invoicing following delivery and liaise with the Accounts team regarding shipping line pre‑payments.
• Lead and support the team to ensure excellent customer service and prompt responses to customer and service provider queries.

Skills

Customs clearance

Port Health

CHED processing

Sea Logistics

Customer service

English proficiency

Pressure management

MS Office

Tools

MS Office

Job description

It\'s more than a job

As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers\' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.

Are you an experienced Sea Logistics professional with strong UK customs clearance and Port Health expertise? We are looking for someone to join us on a 16‑month fixed‑term contract in this specialist role, where you will take ownership of the day‑to‑day coordination of sea freight shipments into the UK. Working closely with customers, hauliers, shipping lines, overseas agents and UK authorities, you will play a key role in ensuring smooth operations while leading the team in delivering a reliable, responsive and high‑quality service to our customers.

How you create impact

• Act as the first point of contact for customers, hauliers and overseas agents, coordinating daily operational activities.


• Manage customs clearance for sea freight shipments entering the UK through various ports.


• Provide customers with accurate and timely updates on shipment arrivals and merchant haulage deliveries.


• Liaise with Port and Plant Health, Port Authorities and UK Border Force to resolve clearance issues.


• Process CHED‑D, CHED‑P, CHED‑PP and organic applications accurately and efficiently.


• Coordinate with shipping lines regarding DROs and other operational enquiries.


• Manage customer invoicing following delivery and liaise with the Accounts team regarding shipping line pre‑payments.


• Lead and support the team to ensure excellent customer service and prompt responses to customer and service provider queries.

What we would like you to bring

• Proven experience in customs clearance of sea freight shipments entering the UK through various ports is essential.


• Hands‑on experience working with Port and Plant Health, Port Authorities and UK Border Force on clearance matters is essential.


• Practical experience processing CHED‑D, CHED‑P, CHED‑PP and organic applications is essential.


• Previous experience within Sea Logistics, freight forwarding or a closely related operational environment.


• Strong customer service skills with the ability to communicate confidently with customers, authorities and service providers.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities and maintain a high level of accuracy.


• Good Microsoft Office and systems skills, combined with flexibility around working hours during busy periods and availability for occasional after‑hours calls.

What\'s in it for you

This is an opportunity to take on a specialist role where your Sea Logistics and customs expertise will have a direct impact on our customers and daily operations. You will work with a broad range of stakeholders across the international supply chain while developing your knowledge within a complex operational environment. You will also have the opportunity to take on team leadership responsibilities and contribute to delivering an excellent customer experience.

Who we are

Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.

As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life‑saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.