Senior European Logistics & Freight Forwarding Coordinator in Bridgend

We are seeking an experienced Senior European Logistics & Freight Forwarding Coordinator to oversee and optimise our freight operations across Europe. This role requires strong industry knowledge in all aspects of air/sea/road freight in addition to removal and packing experience, knowledge of customs and VAT procedures, excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage logistics from start to finish, the ability to motivate and guide other team members, as well as support the senior management team.

Candidates should ideally be based in the UK, preferably near Bridgend, to facilitate regular in-person meetings with the team and senior management.

• Coordinate and oversee the shipment of goods, ensuring compliance with international freight regulations.
• Assess cargo handling requirements, organize rigging services, warehouse handling, and determine appropriate packaging (ISPM15 case, vacuum bag, pallet carton, skid, etc.).
• Select and manage the most efficient mode of transport (sea, air, road, rail) based on shipment type (LCL, 20ft/40ft GP/OT/FR, FCL, BBulk, etc.) and client requirements.
• Ensure proper Incoterms application, identifying responsible parties for logistics costs, documentation, and customs clearance.
• Negotiate prices and terms with vendors, including riggers, packers, carriers, NVOCCs, and international agents.
• Manage customs clearance procedures, including HS code classification, import duty/VAT deferment, and export licensing.
• Instruct carriers and agents on transport document preparation, including Bills of Lading (HBL, OBL), Air Waybills, and insurance paperwork.
• Monitor and communicate real-time shipment status to buyers and agents, ensuring seamless coordination.
• Stay up to date with country-specific requirements (e.g., Hungary EKAER, USA ISF Filing, EU VAT entry certificates).
• Process and manage Letter of Credit (L/C) shipments, ensuring compliance with bank document requirements.

• Supervising and motivating the operational team, ensuring wellbeing and compliance, organizing tasks to suit skillsets, training new staff, setting goals, and managing workflow to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Strive to implement efficiencies wherever possible, under the guidance of the senior management team.
• Acting as an escalation point for delays, cargo discrepancies, or damaged goods, and implementing root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances to maintain, or quickly recover, delivery schedules.

• Knowledge of regulations and a deep understanding of international trade legislation, customs procedures, and transportation regulations.
• Problem solving ability.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage staff and interact with stakeholders.
• Excellent customer service, communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
• Excellent planning and organizational ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Good geographical knowledge and understanding of global trade routes.
• Ability to remain focused, flexible, and calm under pressure.
• Proficiency in key IT systems relevant to logistics and freight forwarding.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Solid experience in freight forwarding, with a strong understanding of industry processes and documentation.

• Full-time, permanent role with stability.
• Salary depending on experience.
• 30 days paid holiday allowance, increasing to 38 days over time.
• 5% employer contribution to the workplace pension scheme.
• Paid sick pay scheme.
• Monday to Friday schedule with flexible working hours.
• Home-based position with occasional in-person meetings near Bridgend.