Senior Import and Export Shipping Operator

Location:  Felixstowe

Start: ASAP

An experienced Import and Export Shipping Operator is required for our independent Freight Forwarding client, who provides worldwide shipping services.

Manging high-value accounts, a typical day will involve coordinating the shipping movement of motor vehicles across multiple modes.

What you'll do:

You'll be dealing with companies worldwide, liaising with customers, overseas agents and hauliers, ensuring seamless movement of cargo across global supply chains.

Responsibilities include:

• End‑to‑end coordination of Import, Export  Shipments and UK Transport across Sea, Road, Air  transport, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and profitability.
• Providing strategic support to key accounts, handling escalations, and maintaining strong long‑term relationships.
• Overseeing complex documentation and customs processes, including tariff classification, VAT / Duty calculations,  ATA and Carnet de Passage, Temporary Imports, NOVA Declarations, Knowledge of IVA / SVA
• Negotiating rates and service agreements with carriers, shipping lines, airlines, vehicle packers and overseas agents to secure competitive pricing and service levels.
• Providing expert guidance  trade compliance, customs requirements, and international shipping regulations.
• Preparing quotations, analysing margins, and contributing to pricing strategies.
• Handling shipment exceptions and high‑impact issues, proactively resolving delays, disputes, and operational challenges.
• Maintaining accurate operational and financial records.

What you need:

We're keen to speak to logistics professionals with 2+ years' experience.  Candidates must have strong industry knowledge, strong commercial awareness and be a proficient communicator; in person, on the phone and in writing.  Familiarity with vehicle transportation, would be a distinct advantage.

Why you'll love this role:

• Position within a fast‑moving motor vehicle logistics environment.
• Opportunities to shape operational processes and contribute to commercial strategy.
• Competitive salary
• Company pension
• 20 Days Holiday Plus bank holidays

How to apply:

If you have relevant experience, please get in touch today.

E: shipping@redrecruit.com

T: 01376 503567 | 0203 906 6020

* You can also refer someone suitable; please share this advert or send us their details. Successful referrals qualify for our candidate referral reward scheme (terms apply) .

Red Recruit specialise in Shipping, Freight & Logistics, Removals & Storage, Relocations and Fine Art recruitment, with opportunities across all levels. Not all roles are advertised, so feel free to send us your CV in confidence or call us directly.

Keywords / alternative titles: Import / Export Operations, Import / Export Operator, Import / Export Clerk, Container, Ro Ro Car / Vehicle Customs, Export Declarations, Carnets, Import Declarations, Dangerous Goods Awareness, Vehicle Transportation.