Freight Operations Specialist

Join a growing and highly regarded logistics business in a pivotal role supporting multiple entities across a broader group structure. This is an excellent opportunity for a freight forwarding professional with strong multi-modal experience to take ownership of operational activity across road, air and sea freight, working with both internal stakeholders and external partners globally.

Acting as a central point of contact, you will play a key role in ensuring shipments are managed efficiently, accurately and on time while developing strong relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for delivering exceptional operational service, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

Job Title: Freight Operations Specialist

Job Type: Southampton (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £32-35k dependent on experience

Benefits: Hybrid working and comprehensive benefits package

Reference no: 16178

Freight Operations Specialist - About The Role

As a Freight Operations Specialist, you will be responsible for supporting operational requirements across a network of group businesses and external customers. Managing shipments across road, air and sea freight, you will work closely with suppliers, overseas partners and internal teams to ensure freight movements are planned and executed efficiently.

This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You will coordinate import and export shipments, provide operational support across multiple business units and act as a trusted point of contact for key stakeholders, ensuring a seamless customer experience from start to finish. Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage import and export shipments across road, air and sea freight.
• Support multiple business entities with their day-to-day operational requirements.
• Work closely with customers, suppliers, overseas partners and internal teams to ensure shipments are delivered efficiently.
• Provide accurate and timely shipment updates to all relevant stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, customers and logistics partners.
• Support existing import and export operations teams where required.
• Ensure compliance with customs procedures, documentation and regulatory requirements.
• Work collaboratively with sales, operations and wider business teams to deliver high service levels.
• Manage multiple operational priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and supplier performance.

The Successful Candidate Will Have:

• A minimum of 4 years' freight forwarding operations experience.
• Exposure to multiple transport modes including particularly sea but also road and air freight.
• Strong knowledge of import and export procedures and associated commercial considerations.
• Good understanding of customs requirements and compliance processes.
• Experience working within fast-paced environments and managing competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of operational activity.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach with a strong attention to detail.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working within a multi-site or group business structure.
• Knowledge of Incoterms 2020 and their application within international trade.
• Established supplier relationships across road, air and sea freight networks.
• Experience using freight forwarding and logistics management systems such as CargoWise, BoxTop or Sequoia.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we currently receive, we are unable to respond to all candidates. If you do not hear from a Consultant within 5 working days, please assume that you have not been successful.

Refer a Friend

If this role is not of interest to you, but you know someone who may be suitable, recommend them to us and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role and a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment (terms and conditions apply).