Job Description:

Ocean Freight Export Clerk

Location: M22 - Manchester Office - Office based 3 days 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. C1

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