Overview

Freight Operator – Import Operations

Southampton | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced freight professional looking to join a growing logistics organisation where your expertise is valued and your career can develop long term?

We are recruiting for a Freight Operator to join a busy Import Operations team based in Southampton. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of an experienced and supportive team managing a diverse range of freight movements, including specialist food and animal product imports requiring regulatory compliance and Port Health controls.

The Opportunity

Working closely with the Operations team, you will manage shipments throughout the entire freight forwarding lifecycle, ensuring goods move efficiently, compliantly and on time. The role focuses primarily on Sea Freight imports and European Road Freight operations, offering plenty of variety and responsibility.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, building strong customer relationships and delivering high standards of service, this could be the ideal next step in your logistics career.
Key Responsibilities

  • Manage import shipments from booking through to final delivery
  • Arrange freight bookings with shipping lines, hauliers and service providers
  • Coordinate haulage and transport requirements
  • Create customs clearances using internal systems
  • Prepare and process shipping and customs documentation
  • Handle specialised import, customs and Port Health documentation where required
  • Ensure compliance with customs procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Monitor shipment progress and proactively manage any issues
  • Liaise with customers, suppliers, transport providers and government agencies
  • Deliver excellent customer service and maintain strong client relationships

About You

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience within freight forwarding or freight operations
  • Experience managing Sea Freight import shipments
  • Knowledge of customs procedures and import formalities
  • Experience with Port Health requirements (advantageous)
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
  • The ability to prioritise workloads and work effectively under pressure
  • A positive, flexible and professional approach
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word and Outlook
  • Experience using Destin8 and CNS systems would be beneficial
  • A team-focused attitude with a willingness to learn and develop

What’s on Offer

  • Full-time, permanent position
  • Opportunity to join a well-established and growing logistics business
  • Exposure to a wide variety of freight and specialised cargo movements
  • Supportive and experienced team environment
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities
  • Long-term career progression prospects
  • Competitive salary dependent on experience

Apply Today

If you’re looking for your next challenge within freight forwarding and want to build a long-term career within a respected logistics organisation, we’d love to hear from you.