Senior Freight Coordinator

Vanrath; Antrim; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Career development opportunities

Permanent, full-time position

Job summary

VANRATH in Antrim, Northern Ireland, is seeking a Senior Freight Forwarder to manage end-to-end international shipments across air, sea and road. You'll build strong customer relationships and support a busy logistics operation.

The role focuses on shipments from booking to delivery, coordinating multi‑modal movements, and ensuring compliant documentation. A DOE salary of £30,000–£40,000 accompanies a permanent, full‑time position with on‑site parking.

Qualifications

• Previous freight forwarding, shipping or international logistics experience.
• Experience coordinating air, sea or road shipments across multiple modes.
• Good understanding of customs procedures and shipping docs.
• Confident communicator dealing with customers, carriers and overseas agents.
• Strong organisation for multiple shipments and shifting priorities.
• Proficient in freight forwarding systems and MS Office.
• Proactive problem solving with customer service focus.
• Mentoring colleagues is a plus.
• Logistics/supply chain/trade qualification is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of freight shipments from booking to delivery across air, sea and road.
• Coordinate international and domestic movements, including urgent shipments.
• Build and nurture customer relationships with regular updates and service.
• Prepare, verify and process customs and shipping docs for compliance.
• Liaise with airlines, shipping lines, hauliers and international agents to arrange shipments.
• Prepare competitive freight quotations and monitor profitability.
• Resolve delays and operational challenges proactively.
• Share freight knowledge with colleagues to boost team performance.
• Maintain shipment records, update systems and assist with reporting.
• Ensure adherence to procedures and quality standards, including AEO where applicable.

Skills

Freight forwarding

Shipping/logistics operations

International freight

Customer service

Documentation & customs

Multimodal coordination

Communication skills

Team mentorship

Logistics software proficiency

Education

Logistics / supply chain / international trade qualification (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Freight forwarding systems

Job description

Looking for your next move in freight forwarding? Join a well-established logistics company that specialises in delivering seamless international freight solutions across air, sea, and road, supporting a diverse range of industries from manufacturing to aerospace. VANRATH is partnering with a leading Northern Ireland freight forwarding and logistics business to recruit a Senior Freight Forwarder for their Antrim operation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight professional who enjoys managing shipments, solving problems, and building strong customer relationships in a busy, supportive environment.

Salary/Benefits

• £30,000 - £40,000 per annum, depending on experience (DOE)
• Permanent, full-time position
• Antrim-based office location
• Free on-site parking
• Friendly, supportive, and experienced team
• Excellent opportunities for career development and progression

About your next employer

Join a respected Northern Ireland freight forwarding and logistics company with a strong reputation and an impressive client base. Providing air, sea, and road freight services alongside customs clearance and warehousing, they work with customers across industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering, aerospace, and renewable energy. Based in Antrim, you'll be part of a knowledgeable, collaborative team where your experience is valued and your ideas are welcomed, with significant opportunities for career growth within a growing, diverse logistics operation.

About you

• Previous experience in freight forwarding, shipping or international logistics operations
• Experience coordinating air, sea or road freight shipments, ideally across multiple transport modes
• Good understanding of customs procedures, shipping documentation, and import/export requirements
• Confident communicator, comfortable dealing with customers, carriers, hauliers, and overseas agents
• Strong organisational skills managing multiple shipments and shifting priorities
• Proficient in freight forwarding systems and Microsoft Office
• Approach challenges proactively with a solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to customer service
• Supportive of colleagues and team-oriented; mentoring experience is a plus
• A qualification in logistics, supply chain, or international trade is desirable but not essential

What you'll do

• Take ownership of freight shipments from initial booking to final delivery across air, sea, and road modes
• Coordinate international and domestic freight movements, including urgent, time-sensitive shipments
• Build and nurture relationships with customers, providing regular updates and excellent service
• Prepare, verify and process customs and shipping documentation, ensuring compliance
• Liaise with airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, and international agents to arrange and track shipments
• Prepare competitive freight quotations, monitor profitability, and identify efficiency opportunities
• Resolve shipment delays, operational challenges, and customer queries proactively
• Support and share your freight industry knowledge with colleagues, enhancing team performance
• Maintain accurate shipment records, update systems, and assist with operational reporting
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, customs standards, and quality requirements, including AEO certification

VANRATH acts as an agency and employment business for permanent recruitment and the supply of temporary workers. Successful applicants may be required to satisfactorily complete pre-employment checks, including references and right-to-work checks, in line with the client or agency's recruitment policy.