Sea Freight Operator

Description:

Our client, a freight forwarding company providing worldwide logistics services, with the aim of ensuring seamless shipping and transport solutions for sea, air, and land transport, are looking for a Sea Freight Operator to join their team based at offices in Felixstowe, Suffolk.
On Offer:
* The opportunity to join a progressive freight forwarding specialist in a fast-moving logistics environment
* Opportunities to shape operational processes and contribute to commercial strategy.
* Competitive salary, dependent on experience
* Company pension
* 20 Days Holiday Plus bank holidays
Main Purpose of the Sea Freight Operator:
The Sea Freight Operator will solve complex international freight operations, ensuring seamless movement of cargo across global supply chains. This role acts as a subject‑matter expert within the freight forwarding team, managing high‑value accounts, resolving escalations, and driving operational excellence. It suits a seasoned sea freight logistics professional with deep industry knowledge, strong commercial awareness, and optimise processes.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Sea Freight Operator:
* End‑to‑end coordination of export and import shipments across sea, road, air and multimodal transport, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and profitability.
* Manage key client accounts, providing strategic support, handling escalations, and maintaining strong long‑term relationships.
* Oversee complex documentation and customs processes, including tariff classification, duty calculations, CDS entries, and compliance with UK/EU/global regulations.
* Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, and overseas agents to secure competitive pricing and service levels.
* Provide expert guidance on Incoterms, trade compliance, customs requirements, and international shipping regulations.
* Support commercial decision‑making by preparing quotations, analysing margins, and contributing to pricing strategies.
* Handle shipment exceptions and high‑impact issues, proactively resolving delays, disputes, and operational challenges.
* Maintain accurate operational and financial records, ensuring data integrity within freight management systems such as Multi freight or similar platforms.
To be Considered for the Sea Freight Operator:
* Proven experience in international sea freight forwarding operations
* Import and export operational knowledge
* Strong organization, clear communication, and attention to detail skills
* Familiarity with customs rules, Export declarations, Carnets, Dangerous Goods Awareness, Incoterms, software: Multi freight preferred
For full details, contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply Chain & Logistics industry