At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end ocean freight shipments and ensure customs compliance.
- Company: Independent freight forwarder specialising in logistics solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with career growth and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in global logistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean export freight forwarding and customs declarations.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Our client is an independent freight forwarder specialist within road and ocean freight, customs brokerage, and bespoke logistics solutions.
Role Overview
Focus on control tower coordination of ocean FCL shipments (CZ–US), alongside international freight operations, UK customs clearance, ocean pricing, and wider multimodal support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage end-to-end (door-to-door) FCL shipments via overseas agents
- Arrange vessel bookings and origin collections with Czech partners
- Review shipping documentation (B/L, invoices, packing lists, clearance docs)
- Provide shipment tracking, updates, and issue resolution
- Handle job costing (supplier invoicing, customer billing, incidental costs)
- Maintain KPI reporting for key accounts
- Act as central contact between shippers, consignees, agents, and carriers
- Ocean freight pricing and procurement (spot rates)
- Prepare UK import/export customs declarations (including CFSP / Inward Processing)
- Ensure customs compliance
- Produce Chamber of Commerce documents (COO, EUR1)
- Support multimodal operations as needed
- Maintain accurate data in TMS (Scope)
Candidate Profile
Essential:
- Ocean export freight forwarding experience
- End-to-end shipment management (A–Z)
- Customs declaration experience (import/export)
- Strong organisation, communication, and multitasking skills
- Ability to work independently in a small team
- Confident with IT systems
Desirable:
- Cross-trade shipment experience
- CFSP / Inward Processing knowledge
- US export experience
Systems (advantageous): CNS, Destin8, e-Customs (Descartes) Scope (Riege)
Salary & Benefits
£30,000 – £35,000 (DOE)
24 days holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave (rising to 31 days with service)
Hybrid working (2 days/week from home post-probation – Mon & Wed)
Quarterly bonus (performance-based)
Training and development opportunities
Salary sacrifice car scheme (subject to tenure)
Multimodal Freight Forwarder / Customs Clearance Operator in Birmingham employer: First Choice Staff
Our client is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides generous holiday allowances, hybrid working options, and performance-based bonuses, making it an attractive place for those seeking a rewarding career in freight forwarding and customs operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multimodal Freight Forwarder / Customs Clearance Operator in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like First Choice Staff and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at First Choice Staff!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like First Choice Staff keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Multimodal Freight Forwarder / Customs Clearance Operator in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to First Choice Staff:This is your chance to really connect with the team at First Choice Staff. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Choice Staff
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with First Choice Staff.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show First Choice Staff that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at First Choice Staff. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
