Trainee Freight Operations Coordinator

Tall Grass Recruitment; Illshaw Heath; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A logistics recruitment agency is seeking a motivated Trainee Freight Operations Coordinator to join a supportive team in Illshaw Heath. This entry-level role requires no experience, offering full training and guidance towards a specialist operational position within 1-2 years. Successful candidates will gain exposure to international freight movements, customer service, and documentation, with opportunities for career advancement and a potential annual bonus. Basic IT skills and a willingness to learn are essential.

Benefits

20 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension scheme – 4% contribution

Healthcare & wellbeing support

Annual end-of-year bonus

Defined career progression pathway

Qualifications

• Eager to learn and develop within the logistics industry.
• Strong work ethic and ability to follow guidance.
• Ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with coordination of international freight movements.
• Supporting senior team members with day-to-day tasks.
• Inputting shipment details into internal systems.

Skills

Enthusiastic

Proactive

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic IT skills

Job description

Trainee Freight Operations Coordinator

Overview

This role is ideal for a motivated and enthusiastic individual looking to begin a long‑term career in the freight and logistics industry. No experience is required—full training will be provided. Candidates with basic freight knowledge or previous exposure to logistics would be beneficial, but this is not essential.

The successful applicant will join a supportive team environment with a clear development pathway into a specialist operational role within 1–2 years, depending on performance and progression.

Salary : £26,000 – £30,000 per annum. Plus potential end‑of‑year performance bonus (not guaranteed).

Hours : Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 17:00 (flexible).

Location : Office‑based - Birmingham - B90 (with potential long‑term hybrid opportunities once fully trained — not available during trainee period).

Probation : 3 Months

Key Responsibilities

As a trainee, you will receive structured on‑the‑job training and support. Responsibilities will grow over time and may include:

Daily Operations

• Assisting with the coordination of international freight movements via air, road, or sea.
• Supporting senior team members with day‑to‑day tasks and shipment processing.
• Inputting shipment details into internal systems accurately.
• Learning to raise bookings, generate documentation, and communicate with carriers and partners.

Customer & Supplier Communication

• Supporting the team with customer service queries.
• Liaising with suppliers, hauliers, agents, and carriers as you gain experience.
• Providing timely updates to internal and external stakeholders.

Documentation & Administration

• Assisting in preparing freight documentation, including booking forms, transport instructions, and other operational paperwork.
• Ensuring all details are entered correctly into the system.
• Helping maintain organised records and operational files.

Learning & Development

• Participating in structured training towards a full operational role.
• Gaining knowledge across freight processes, customs basics, and international logistics.
• Building confidence and competence across operational tasks.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to develop within the logistics industry.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work well in a team and follow guidance.
• Attention to detail and good organisational skills.
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office, email, etc.).

Desirable (but not essential)

• Prior experience in freight, logistics, warehousing, or transport.
• Basic understanding of international shipments or supply chain processes.

Benefits

• 20 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company pension scheme – 4% company contribution
• Healthcare & wellbeing support
• Annual end‑of‑year bonus (discretionary, dependent on company performance)
• Career progression pathway to a full operational role within 1–2 years

Career Progression

This role is designed as a pathway into a defined operational position within the company. Typical development areas include:

• Freight Operations Coordinator
• Import / Export Clerk
• Customer Service & Key Account Support
• Road, Air, or Sea specialisation

Progression speed depends on performance, attitude, and willingness to learn.