At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate international freight movements and manage key client accounts.
- Company: Fast-paced global logistics operation based in Felixstowe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 20 days leave, and career influence.
- Other info: Opportunity to improve processes and contribute to commercial strategy.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in international logistics.
- Qualifications: Five years of freight forwarding experience and strong customs knowledge.
Senior Import & Export Sea Freight Forwarder
Location: Felixstowe – office-based Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm Contract: Full-time, permanent Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
We are seeking an experienced Import & Export Sea Freight Forwarder to join a fast-moving international logistics operation based in Felixstowe.
You will take responsibility for complex international freight movements, ensuring cargo travels seamlessly across global supply chains.
Acting as a subject-matter expert within the forwarding team, you will manage high-value client accounts, resolve operational escalations and help improve processes, service levels and commercial performance.
Applicants must have at least five years’ freight-forwarding experience covering both imports and exports, together with strong customs knowledge.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate import and export shipments from initial booking through to final delivery.
- Manage sea freight movements, with additional involvement in road, air and multimodal transport.
- Ensure shipments are handled efficiently, compliantly and profitably.
- Manage key client accounts, provide expert support and build strong, long-term relationships.
- Prepare and oversee shipping documentation, customs entries and other regulatory paperwork.
- Complete or coordinate CDS entries, tariff classifications and duty calculations.
- Ensure compliance with UK, EU and international customs regulations.
- Negotiate rates and service agreements with carriers, shipping lines, airlines and overseas agents.
- Prepare quotations, analyse margins and contribute to commercial pricing decisions.
- Advise clients and colleagues on Incoterms, customs requirements, trade compliance and international shipping regulations.
- Proactively resolve delays, disputes, documentation problems and other shipment exceptions.
- Maintain accurate operational and financial records using Multi Freight or a similar freight management system.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, service quality and profitability.
Essential Experience and Skills
- At least five years’ experience in freight forwarding, logistics or international shipping.
- Strong hands-on experience managing both import and export shipments.
- In-depth sea freight knowledge, including full-container-load and less-than-container-load movements.
- Practical knowledge of customs processes, CDS entries, export declarations, tariff classifications and duty calculations.
- Good working knowledge of Incoterms and international trade regulations.
- Experience managing complex shipments and resolving operational escalations.
- Strong commercial awareness, including rate negotiation, quotations and margin management.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear and professional communication skills.
- The ability to remain calm, organised and solutions-focused under pressure.
- Experience using Multi Freight or a similar freight management platform is preferred.
- Knowledge of carnets and dangerous goods procedures would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Company pension.
- 20 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
- The opportunity to join a fast-paced global logistics environment.
- Scope to influence operational processes and contribute to commercial strategy.
If you are an experienced freight forwarder with strong import, export and customs knowledge, we would be pleased to hear from you
Import/Export Freight Forwarder in Felixstowe employer: Integral Staff
Join a dynamic and well-established organisation as a Business Development Manager, where your passion for winning new business will be rewarded with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a company car or car allowance. Our supportive team culture fosters ongoing training and career development, ensuring you have the tools to thrive in a field-based sales environment while building lasting customer relationships. With genuine opportunities for progression, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path in the foodservice industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Import/Export Freight Forwarder in Felixstowe
✨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 Integral 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 Integral 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 Integral 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 Import/Export Freight Forwarder in Felixstowe
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 Integral Staff:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Integral 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 Integral 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 Integral 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 Integral 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 Integral Staff. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
