Ocean Freight Quotations Coordinator in Ipswich

Location: Ipswich/Felixstowe

Salary: Competitive

Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm

Simarco is an award-winning international logistics provider, driven by a deep understanding of the fast-paced nature of global trade. We specialise in delivering bespoke freight solutions across the UK, Europe, and worldwide, offering flexible, fully tailored services that are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Due to continued growth within our Ocean Freight division, we are looking for an experienced Ocean Freight Quotations Coordinator to join our commercial team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong Ocean Freight forwarding knowledge and a passion for delivering competitive pricing solutions whilst supporting business growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing accurate, competitive and profitable quotations for Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, with a primary focus on import opportunities from the Far East, Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Working closely with customers, shipping lines, overseas agents, suppliers, sales teams and operational departments, you will help secure new business opportunities, support customer retention and maximise quotation conversion through proactive follow-up and commercial awareness.

Here at Simarco, we believe that people are the heart of our business. It is their professionalism, dedication and experience that continues to be at the core of our success!

Key Skills and Qualifications to succeed in this role:

• Minimum 2 years' experience within an Ocean Freight forwarding environment.
• Experience preparing quotations for both FCL and LCL shipments.
• Strong understanding of Ocean Freight import operations.
• Knowledge of Ocean Freight markets, carrier services, transit times and international trade lanes.
• Commercially aware with the ability to balance competitiveness and profitability.
• Confident negotiating rates with shipping lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders, overseas agents and logistics partners.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer-focused with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Experience following up quotations and converting opportunities into confirmed bookings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience using freight forwarding, logistics or ERP systems.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience handling imports from the Far East, Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
• Knowledge of customs clearance procedures and UK import requirements.
• Experience working with overseas agent and partner networks.
• Freight forwarding, logistics or supply chain qualification.
• Experience using systems such as CargoWise, Boxtop or Azyra.
• Experience producing quotation conversion, performance or margin reports.

Personal Attributes:

• Commercially minded and results focused.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Positive, professional and customer-focused approach.
• Confident communicator with excellent relationship-building skills.
• Organised and able to prioritise workload effectively.
• Resilient and able to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player.
• Driven to identify opportunities and convert quotations into profitable business.

Key duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate, competitive and profitable Ocean Freight quotations for FCL and LCL shipments.
• Focus primarily on import opportunities from the Far East, Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
• Source, negotiate and maintain competitive pricing with shipping lines, NVOCCs, co-loaders and overseas partners.
• Proactively follow up quotation opportunities to maximise conversion into confirmed bookings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, overseas agents, co-loaders and partner network members.
• Support Ocean Freight, Commercial and Sales teams with pricing solutions, market intelligence and customer-specific opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, carrier surcharges and industry developments to ensure quotations remain commercially viable.
• Maintain accurate quotation records, pricing data and customer information within company systems.
• Work closely with operational departments to ensure solutions are practical, achievable and customer focused.
• Take ownership of opportunities and contribute towards the continued growth and profitability of Simarco's Ocean Freight division.
• Deliver exceptional customer service whilst maintaining strong commercial awareness.
• Support wider departmental objectives and contribute positively to team success.

We can offer you:

• A highly competitive salary.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Discount platform including top high street retailers.
• Full training and support.
• Cycle to Work & Tusker Car Scheme.
• Regular engagement initiatives including treat days.
• Learning Management System for continuous learning.
• Mental health forum in place to support wellbeing.
• Simarco Stars recognition & rewards programme.
• Career development opportunities within one of the UK's leading independent logistics providers.

Simarco International is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and a respectful working environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and we value the unique perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. We are driven by our core values of Integrity, Communication, Accountability, and Innovation, which influence how we work, collaborate, and grow as a business.