Sea Freight / Multimodal Freight Operator - Import or Export

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Sea Freight / Multimodal Freight Operator to join our client, a growing freight forwarding business based near Sunbury-on-Thames.

This is an excellent opportunity for a freight forwarding professional with experience in sea freight operations, ideally across import or export, who is looking to join a growing team and take ownership of shipments from start to finish. Candidates with a multimodal background and a strong understanding of sea freight will also be considered.

The successful candidate will coordinate international shipments throughout the forwarding process, including bookings, shipping documentation, customs clearance, transport arrangements, shipment monitoring and final billing. You will work closely with shipping lines, overseas agents, customers, hauliers and other service providers to ensure shipments are handled efficiently and delivered within agreed timescales.

Key Responsibilities - Sea Freight / Multimodal Freight Operator

• Manage sea freight import or export shipments from start to finish, taking ownership of the full operational process.

• Coordinate bookings with shipping lines, overseas agents and freight partners.

• Arrange collections, haulage, deliveries and onward transport as required.

• Prepare and process sea freight documentation, ensuring all paperwork is accurate and completed within required deadlines.

• Complete or coordinate customs entries in line with UK HMRC requirements.

• Monitor shipments throughout the transport process, proactively addressing delays, discrepancies and operational issues.

• Liaise with customers, shippers, overseas agents, shipping lines and hauliers to ensure smooth shipment handling.

• Upload shipping documentation, proof of delivery (PODs) and relevant records to the freight management system.

• Maintain accurate job files and ensure shipment information is recorded correctly.

• Manage job costing, invoicing and cost control, ensuring all charges are accurately recorded.

• Respond promptly to customer and agent queries, providing a high standard of customer service.

• Manage multiple shipments and competing priorities while meeting operational deadlines.

Skills & Experience Required - Sea Freight / Multimodal Freight Operator

• Previous experience in freight forwarding operations, ideally with a strong background in sea freight imports or exports.

• Experience managing shipments from start to finish with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of sea freight processes, shipping documentation and international shipment coordination.

• Experience liaising with shipping lines, overseas agents, hauliers and customers.

• Understanding of UK customs procedures and HMRC requirements.

• Candidates with multimodal experience across sea, road and/or air freight are welcome, provided they have relevant sea freight exposure.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• High attention to detail when handling documentation, shipment records and costs.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving, customer service and operational challenges.

• Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and adapt to changing customer requirements.

• A full five-year referenceable history is required for aviation security clearance.

Salary & Benefits - Sea Freight / Multimodal Freight Operator

• Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 per annum, depending on experience.

• Location: Sunbury-on-Thames.

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:30.

• Working Arrangement: Fully office-based, with no working from home.

• Annual Leave: 21 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing with each year of service.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for a sea freight professional to join a growing freight forwarding business offering stability, career development and progression. The role would suit an operator who enjoys taking ownership of their shipments, building strong relationships with customers and overseas partners, and managing the day-to-day requirements of a busy international freight operation.

Candidates with sea freight import or export experience, or a multimodal background with a strong sea freight element, are encouraged to apply.

If you have experience in sea freight operations and are looking for your next opportunity within freight forwarding, apply online today!