Ocean Freight Import Operator

Ocean Freight Import Operator
United Worldwide Logistics Birmingham | 471 Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, Birmingham B33 0SG

Full-time, permanent | Office-based | £30,000 to £35,000 per year depending on experience

About UWL

United Worldwide Logistics is a fast-growing independent logistics business moving freight across the UK and internationally: ocean, air and road freight, customs clearance, warehousing and UK distribution. Our Birmingham branch combines an established European road freight operation with a growing ocean and air forwarding desk. We are not a corporate freight giant where you disappear into a system. We move quickly, keep bureaucracy to a minimum and reward people who take ownership.

The Role

We are looking for a commercially minded Ocean Freight Import Operator to join our Birmingham team. This is not a purely operational role. You will own your shipments end to end, understand the commercial effect of your decisions, and contribute directly to profitability, efficiency and customer retention.

Essential: a minimum of 3 years' hands-on experience in ocean freight import operations. Applications without this will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

• Manage FCL and LCL import shipments from quote stage through to final delivery
• Liaise with overseas agents on pre-alerts, documentation and shipment updates
• Coordinate customs clearance, haulage, delivery and final-mile logistics
• Work with shipping lines, hauliers and warehouses to keep cargo moving
• Manage delays, demurrage and detention risk and service disruptions before they become problems
• Keep job costing and shipment records accurate and up to date

Commercial and Cost Control

• Handle every shipment cost-efficiently and profitably
• Check supplier invoices against agreed buy rates
• Raise accurate customer invoices promptly and protect margin
• Challenge supplier costs where there is a commercial benefit
• Spot opportunities to add value or sell additional services

Customer Service and Relationships

• Act as a key point of contact for your customers
• Keep customers updated proactively at every stage
• Build relationships that support retention and growth
• Resolve queries and issues with a solutions-driven approach

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with UK import and customs regulations
• Manage shipping documentation including bills of lading, commercial invoices and customs declarations
• Keep documentation accurate to avoid delays, penalties and additional cost

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years in ocean freight operations, ideally imports (3 to 5 years preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of FCL and LCL processes
• Commercial awareness, with a focus on profitability and cost control
• Confident using freight systems and Microsoft Office
• Able to manage multiple live shipments under pressure
• Import customs clearance knowledge is an advantage but not essential

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware and results-driven
• Proactive and solution-focused
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional and customer-focused

What Success Looks Like

• Files handled cleanly from quote stage to delivery
• Clear ownership and accountability for every shipment
• Strong margin control and cost management
• High levels of customer satisfaction and retention
• Workload handled efficiently with minimal errors

Hours, Pay and Benefits

• Salary: £30,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience
• Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute lunch break
• Holiday: 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension: company pension scheme
• Parking: free on-site parking
• Location: 471 Garretts Green Lane, Sheldon, Birmingham B33 0SG (office-based)

Summary

This role suits an operator who knows that operations and commercial performance go hand in hand: someone who takes ownership, thinks ahead and contributes to the success of the branch.

To apply, submit your CV through Indeed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you have hands-on experience handling both FCL and LCL import shipments from pre-alert through customs clearance to final delivery? Please give a brief example.

Experience:

• Ocean Freight Import Operations: 3 years (required)

Location:

• Birmingham B33 0SG (preferred)

Work Location: In person