Our client is a Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialist, who are currently recruiting for an Air Imports & Exports experienced Operations Co-Ordinator, who has 1-3 years' Airfreight knowledge and/or some Ocean Freight knowledge would also be beneficial.
The candidate should have experience in Custom Entries, knowledge of Cargowise or similar would be an advantage.
The working hours are 08:30 am to 17:30 pm (there must be some flexibility, depending on the urgency of shipments)
The Role
To manage and coordinate end-to-end import and export operations for air and/or sea freight shipments, ensuring smooth workflow, regulatory compliance (customs, IATA, HMRC, etc), high service levels to customers and internal partners. Act as a key point of contact between customers, carriers/airlines/hauliers, customs, internal teams and overseas agents.
Key Responsibilities
• Coordinate import and export shipments (air, sea and/or road) from booking to delivery – collection, transport, customs clearance, delivery to customer.
• Prepare and process shipping documentation: air waybills, bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, customs declarations.
• Liaise with airlines, freight forwarders, hauliers, freight handling agents, customs brokers, overseas agents and internal teams (customer service, warehouse, transport, finance).
• Monitor shipment status, track & trace consignments, provide updates to clients and escalate issues when required.
• Manage compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., IATA for airfreight, HMRC customs rules, Incoterms, export/import licence requirements).
• Input and maintain accurate data in freight management / WMS / TMS systems. Verify documentation, ensure data integrity.
• Problem-solve operational issues: delays, documentation discrepancies, customs holds, damage, shortage/overage. Propose and implement process improvements.
• Assist in pricing/quoting of jobs (if applicable), raising invoices or liaising with finance for billing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and agents to deliver excellent service and meet KPIs.
• Maintain awareness of changes in trade regulations, customs tariff codes and update internal processes accordingly.
Person Specification – Skills & Experience
Essential Requirements:
• Previous experience (ideally 1-3 years or more) in freight forwarding / logistics operations – import/export environment.
• Understanding of shipping documentation and customs procedures (imports & exports).
• Good knowledge of airfreight (and/or seafreight) operations; at Heathrow/UK freight hub experience advantageous.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: able to liaise with multiple stakeholders (customers, carriers, agents).
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills and ability to work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• IT literate: comfortable using Microsoft Office (Excel/Word), and freight management systems (experience with e.g., CargoWise or similar is a plus).
• Customer-focused, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable:
• Experience of Heathrow cargo/air-freight environment.
• Knowledge of HMRC customs regimes, import/export licences and procedures.
• Experience with sea freight operations and multi-modal shipments (air/sea/road)
• Familiarity with KPIs, process improvement and operational problem solving.
• Previous use of a TMS/WMS or booking system.
Working Hours
Typically, Monday to Friday, standard office hours (e.g., 08:30-17:30) – with possible requirement for flexibility depending on freight schedules and business needs. Some hybrid work is a potential.
Salary
Circa of £40,000–£45,000 full-time
Benefits & Other Information
• Office-based at Heathrow with parking available and some hybrid working.
• Supportive team environment, opportunities for training and career progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, company social events (where applicable).
• Potential overtime or shift flexibility depending on business operations.
Why Join the Company?
The company promotes itself as delivering innovative, tailored logistics solutions, covering air freight, sea freight, road freight and warehousing. You would be joining a company committed to service excellence, continuous improvement and teamwork—making this role an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in freight forwarding operations at a major hub.
