Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage deep sea export shipments and be the main contact for clients.
- Company: Established freight forwarding company with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, monthly bonuses, 23 days holiday plus birthday off, and free parking.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a close-knit team and make an immediate impact in export operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in freight forwarding and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are working with an established freight forwarding company seeking an experienced Ocean Export Operator / Export Account Manager to join their Export team based in Leeds.
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 (dependent on experience)
Benefits:
- Monthly bonus scheme
- Contributory pension
- 23 days holiday + birthday off
- Free on-site parking
- Supportive, team-focused office environment
This is a hands-on, operational role focused on deep sea export freight, working closely with allocated clients and managing shipments end-to-end. You will be joining a small, close-knit export team, where everyone takes ownership of their work and supports each other to keep operations running smoothly. Prior experience within sea freight exports is essential, particularly in a fast-paced environment working with shipping lines and carrier systems.
Role Overview
You will take ownership of sea freight export shipments from booking through to completion, acting as the main point of contact for your clients while ensuring all operational, documentation, and communication processes are handled efficiently. The role is primarily focused on deep sea exports and requires someone confident managing bookings directly with shipping lines, navigating carrier systems, and dealing with the day-to-day challenges of export operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage sea freight export shipments (LCL & FCL) from booking through to completion
- Act as main point of contact for allocated clients
- Make and manage bookings directly with shipping lines and consolidators
- Prepare and process shipping instructions and bills of lading
- Liaise with customers, carriers, and overseas agents
- Monitor shipments and proactively manage delays or issues
- Ensure accurate documentation and system updates throughout the shipment lifecycle
- Coordinate collections and onward transport where required
- Prepare and issue invoices and check supplier costs
- Support and maintain strong client relationships
Experience & Skills
- Current experience within a freight forwarding environment (essential)
- Strong background in deep sea export operations
- Experience handling LCL & FCL shipments end-to-end
- Confident using shipping line / carrier booking systems
- Experience preparing shipping instructions and bills of lading
- Understanding of export documentation and customs processes
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Strong organisational and communication skills
Ideal Candidate
A hands-on sea freight export operator who is confident managing bookings, dealing with carriers, and handling the day-to-day demands of export operations. You will suit a smaller team environment, enjoy taking ownership of your work, and be someone who can come in and make an immediate impact.
Import/Export Operator (Permanent) in Leeds employer: MANIFEST RECRUITMENT LTD
Contact Detail:
MANIFEST RECRUITMENT LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Import/Export Operator (Permanent) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the freight forwarding industry, especially those who work with deep sea exports. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of shipping lines and carrier systems. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience with LCL and FCL shipments, so practice answering common questions related to export operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've managed shipments from booking to completion. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our supportive, team-focused environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Import/Export Operator (Permanent) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Ocean Export Operator. Highlight your experience in deep sea exports and any specific achievements that showcase your skills in managing shipments end-to-end.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to keeping operations running smoothly.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to emphasise your current experience within a freight forwarding environment. We want to see your confidence in handling LCL & FCL shipments and using shipping line systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at MANIFEST RECRUITMENT LTD
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of deep sea export operations. Familiarise yourself with the specific shipping lines and carrier systems mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your past experiences with LCL and FCL shipments will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the main point of contact for clients, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively liaised with customers, carriers, and overseas agents in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain strong client relationships and handle any issues that may arise.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific challenges in export operations, such as delays or documentation issues. Think of real-life scenarios from your experience and be ready to explain how you resolved them. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and hands-on approach.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role is in a close-knit team, be prepared to discuss how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've supported your colleagues in a fast-paced environment and taken ownership of your tasks. This will show that you can contribute positively to their team-focused culture.