At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate ocean export shipments and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Dynamic freight forwarding company in Manchester with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £32,000 salary, annual bonus, hybrid working, and career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like an on-site gym, café, and free parking.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make an impact in global shipping.
- Qualifications: Experience in ocean freight forwarding and strong customer service skills.
Location: M22 - Manchester Office - Office based 3 days a week, 2 days working from home.
Salary: Up to £32,000 DOE
Department: Ocean Freight Operations reporting into the Operations Manager
Job Summary
The Ocean Freight Export Clerk is responsible for the efficient coordination and management of ocean export shipments from origin to destination. Working within a freight forwarding environment, the role involves liaising with customers, shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers, customs authorities, and internal departments to ensure shipments are handled accurately, compliantly, and within agreed service levels. The successful candidate will possess strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of ocean freight export procedures and documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Activities
- Manage ocean freight export shipments from booking through to final departure.
- Arrange bookings with shipping lines and co-loaders.
- Coordinate collection and transport of cargo from customer premises to port.
- Ensure shipments are processed in accordance with customer requirements and agreed schedules.
- Monitor shipment progress and proactively communicate updates to customers.
- Resolve operational issues and service disruptions promptly and professionally.
- Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare and process export documentation including: Bills of Lading, Export Customs Declarations, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Shipping Instructions.
- Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations and international shipping requirements.
- Verify documentation accuracy prior to shipment departure.
- Maintain accurate shipment records within the freight management system.
- Customer Service
- Act as a key point of contact for customers regarding export shipments.
- Provide shipment status updates and resolve customer queries.
- Develop and maintain strong customer relationships through professional communication.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and service delivery.
- Financial Responsibilities
- Raise and process customer invoices.
- Verify supplier and carrier invoices.
- Ensure all operational costs are accurately recorded.
- Assist with profit monitoring and shipment profitability.
- Stakeholder Management
- Liaise with Shipping Lines, Overseas Agents, Transport Providers, Warehouse Operators, Customs Authorities, Internal Sales and Operations Teams.
- Build effective relationships to ensure smooth shipment execution.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience within ocean freight forwarding.
- Knowledge of FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) export operations.
- Understanding of UK export customs procedures.
- Experience preparing export shipping documentation.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Excellent organisational and administrative abilities.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience using Cargowise C1.
- Customs declaration experience.
- Understanding of Incoterms.
- Knowledge of dangerous goods procedures.
- Relevant freight forwarding qualifications.
Key Competencies
- Attention to Detail
- Communication Skills
- Time Management
- Customer Focus
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Commercial Awareness
- Ability to Prioritise Workloads
Performance Measures
- On-Time Shipment Processing
- Documentation Accuracy
- Customer Satisfaction
- Compliance with Customs and Regulatory Requirements
- Shipment Profitability
- Service Level Achievement
Benefits / Package
- Salary £32,000 DOE + Annual Bonus & Salary reviews
- Real Career Progression
- Pension
- PMI
- On site Gym & Café
- Free Parking, close to train stations
- Offering Hybrid working 3 days office and 2 days home after probation
Ocean Freight Export Clerk employer: Tall Grass Recruitment
Join a dynamic team in Manchester as an Ocean Freight Export Clerk, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary of up to £32,000, annual bonuses, and the flexibility of hybrid working, you will thrive in an environment that values your contributions and fosters strong customer relationships. Benefit from on-site amenities like a gym and café, alongside real career progression opportunities within the freight forwarding industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ocean Freight Export Clerk
✨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 Tall Grass Recruitment 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 Tall Grass Recruitment!
✨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 Tall Grass Recruitment 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 Ocean Freight Export Clerk
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 Tall Grass Recruitment:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Tall Grass Recruitment. 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 Tall Grass Recruitment
✨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 Tall Grass Recruitment.
✨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 Tall Grass Recruitment 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 Tall Grass Recruitment. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
