Senior Import And Export Shipping Operator

Red Recruit; Felixstowe; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

20 days holiday

Job summary

Red Recruit in Felixstowe is seeking a Senior Import and Export Shipping Operator to oversee the end-to-end movement of motor vehicles across Sea, Road and Air. You’ll coordinate with customers worldwide, overseas agents and hauliers, ensuring compliant, profitable shipments while handling complex documentation and customs processes.

With 2+ years in logistics and strong communication skills, you will help shape operational processes and pricing strategies in a fast-paced environment,

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in logistics or shipping operations.
• Strong industry knowledge, commercial awareness and communication skills (in person, on the phone and in writing).
• Familiarity with vehicle transportation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end coordination of Import, Export Shipments and UK Transport across Sea, Road and Air.
• Provide strategic support to key accounts, handle escalations and maintain long-term relationships.
• Oversee complex documentation and customs processes, including tariff classifications and VAT/Duty calculations.
• Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers and overseas agents to secure competitive pricing.
• Provide guidance on trade compliance and international shipping regulations.
• Prepare quotations, analyse margins and contribute to pricing strategies.
• Handle shipment exceptions and resolve delays and operational challenges.
• Maintain accurate operational and financial records.

Skills

2+ years exp

Strong communication

Commercial acumen

Vehicle transport knowledge

Job description

Senior Import and Export Shipping Operator

Location: Felixstowe

Start: ASAP

An experienced Import and Export Shipping Operator is required for our independent Freight Forwarding client, who provides worldwide shipping services.

Manging high-value accounts, a typical day will involve coordinating the shipping movement of motor vehicles across multiple modes.

What you’ll do:

You’ll be dealing with companies worldwide, liaising with customers, overseas agents and hauliers, ensuring seamless movement of cargo across global supply chains.

Responsibilities include:

• End‑to‑end coordination of Import, Export Shipments and UK Transport across Sea, Road, Air transport, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and profitability.
• Providing strategic support to key accounts, handling escalations, and maintaining strong long‑term relationships.
• Overseeing complex documentation and customs processes, including tariff classification, VAT / Duty calculations, ATA and Carnet de Passage, Temporary Imports, NOVA Declarations, Knowledge of IVA / SVA
• Negotiating rates and service agreements with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, vehicle packers and overseas agents to secure competitive pricing and service levels.
• Providing expert guidance trade compliance, customs requirements, and international shipping regulations.
• Preparing quotations, analysing margins, and contributing to pricing strategies.
• Handling shipment exceptions and high‑impact issues, proactively resolving delays, disputes, and operational challenges.
• Maintaining accurate operational and financial records.

What you need:

We’re keen to speak to logistics professionals with 2+ years’ experience. Candidates must have strong industry knowledge, strong commercial awareness and be a proficient communicator; in person, on the phone and in writing. Familiarity with vehicle transportation, would be a distinct advantage.

Why you’ll love this role:

• Position within a fast‑moving motor vehicle logistics environment.
• Opportunities to shape operational processes and contribute to commercial strategy.
• Competitive salary
• Company pension
• 20 Days Holiday Plus bank holidays

Keywords / alternative titles: Import / Export Operations, Import / Export Operator, Import / Export Clerk, Container, Ro Ro Car / Vehicle Customs, Export Declarations, Carnets, Import Declarations, Dangerous Goods Awareness, Vehicle Transportation.