At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end freight forwarding and transport planning for seamless goods movement.
- Company: Join PRL Freight, a leader in multimodal transport operations based in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 22 days annual leave, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values efficiency and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years in freight forwarding and transport planning; strong communication and multitasking skills required.
- Other info: Occasional travel to the UK and Ireland may be necessary.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
Job Description/Role Profile
Job Title
Freight Forwarder
Hours
Full-time
Department
Forwarding
Reports to
Operations Manager
Location
Based in PRL Freight Northern Ireland, Fergusons Way, Killybegs Road, Antrim BT41 4LZ
May occasionally require travel to PRL Freight UK (Birmingham area) and PRL Freight Ireland (Dublin area) from time to time.
Role summary
We are seeking an experienced Freight Forwarder with a strong understanding of multimodal transport operations and a proven ability to plan and coordinate transport movements efficiently. The ideal candidate will combine in-depth freight forwarding knowledge with transport planning skills to ensure seamless movement of goods and high service levels for our clients.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for, but is not limited to the following:
Freight Forwarding
- Manage end-to-end freight forwarding operations across road (import/export) and to a lesser extend Sea.
- Liaise with agents, carriers, and hauliers to arrange bookings, documentation, and applicable customs formalities
- Monitor shipments and proactively resolve any issues or delays.
- Proactively provide regular updates to clients and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Ensure compliance with trade regulations and company policies.
Transport Planning
- Plan and optimise daily/weekly domestic cross border transport schedules.
- Assign and coordinate transport resources (mainly subcontractors) based on cost, efficiency, and service criteria.
- Monitor transport execution and adjust plans in real-time to address disruptions or changes in volume.
- Collaborate with external partners warehouse and operations teams to ensure smooth dispatch and receipt of goods.
- Maintain and analyse KPIs related to transport performance, cost efficiency, and service quality.
- Additional ad hoc duties
Experience
- Minimum 2 years experience in freight forwarding (with proven multimodal exposure and advantage).
- Minimum 2 years experience in transport planning, ideally in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in using freight management and transport planning systems.
Skills and Qualities
- Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively under pressure.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to identify and implement cost savings and efficiency measures.
- Strong computer application skills (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint).
- Comfortably liaise with customers and suppliers.
- Strong planning, organisational and teamwork skills.
- Be flexible and dynamic with and ability to meet multiple challenges in an evolving fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to work carefully, methodically and accurately.
- Time management skills and organisational skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks while remaining focused.
- Self-motivated and committed to achieving deadlines.
- Able to handle difficult situation with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to identify opportunities for system and process improvements.
- Commercial awareness – Ability to identify and opportunities in the transport market.
- Drivers Licence is required.
Benefits
- £32 – £35k annual salary (experience dependent)
- 22 days annual leave
- Pension contribution
Freight Forwarder employer: PRL Freight UK
Contact Detail:
PRL Freight UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Freight Forwarder
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in multimodal transport operations. Understanding current industry practices will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in this fast-paced field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the freight forwarding and transport planning sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to job openings at companies like us.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as they are crucial for liaising with agents, carriers, and hauliers. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend to practice handling various situations that may arise in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed transport schedules and resolved issues in past roles. Having concrete stories ready will help you stand out during interviews and show your problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Freight Forwarder
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in freight forwarding and transport planning. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multimodal transport operations and resolve issues proactively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your relevant experience, skills, and how you can contribute to maintaining high service levels for clients.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed transport schedules and liaised with various stakeholders.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at PRL Freight UK
✨Showcase Your Freight Forwarding Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in freight forwarding, especially any experience with multimodal transport operations. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed end-to-end operations and resolved issues during shipments.
✨Demonstrate Transport Planning Skills
Discuss your approach to planning and optimising transport schedules. Share examples of how you've coordinated resources effectively and adjusted plans in real-time to handle disruptions or changes in volume.
✨Emphasise Communication and Negotiation Abilities
Since the role requires liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to showcase your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've maintained high levels of customer satisfaction and handled negotiations with agents, carriers, and hauliers.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare to discuss situations where you identified issues in transport execution and the steps you took to resolve them while ensuring compliance with trade regulations.