Ocean Export Operator - Birmingham (Hybrid) - Freight Forwarding

Our client are seeking a detail-oriented Ocean Export Operator to manage the full end-to-end ocean export process within our freight forwarding operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating export shipments from initial booking through to final sailing and documentation completion, ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations and delivering excellent customer service.

This role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple shipments while coordinating with carriers, customers, overseas agents, and internal teams.

• Manage the full ocean export process from booking through to vessel departure and documentation completion.
• Arrange bookings with shipping lines and monitor sailing schedules.
• Coordinate with customers, carriers, warehouses, and transport providers to ensure smooth shipment execution.
• Track shipments and proactively manage any delays, rollovers, or operational issues.

• Prepare and process export documentation including:
• Bills of Lading
• Commercial Invoices
• Packing Lists
• Export declarations
• Certificates of Origin (where required)
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with export regulations and destination country requirements.

• Arrange and submit export customs declarations via the relevant customs systems.
• Ensure all export shipments comply with UK customs regulations and international trade requirements.
• Resolve customs queries or holds in a timely manner.

• Act as the main point of contact for customers regarding export shipments.
• Provide shipment updates, sailing confirmations, and documentation status.
• Maintain strong relationships through proactive communication and high service standards.

• Liaise with shipping lines, consolidation services, warehouses, and haulage providers.
• Arrange container collections, transport, and delivery to port or terminal.
• Coordinate cargo cut-offs, VGM submissions, and terminal requirements.

• Maintain accurate shipment records within the freight forwarding system.
• Issue shipping instructions and confirm bookings with carriers.
• Ensure timely transmission of documentation to overseas agents and customers.

• Check supplier costs and ensure correct cost allocation within shipment files.
• Prepare and issue customer invoices in a timely manner.
• Ensure accurate job file completion and closure.

• Previous experience in ocean export freight forwarding operations.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping documentation and export procedures.
• Understanding of UK export customs requirements.
• Experience managing export shipments from booking to final sailing.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple shipments.

• Experience using freight forwarding software (e.g. CargoWise, Descartes, Multifreight).
• Knowledge of Incoterms and international trade compliance.
• Experience coordinating container transport and port operations.

• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Proactive and customer-focused
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong teamwork and communication skills