Sea Freight Forwarder

Company Overview

Full Time / Permanent /  Mon-Fri

• Generous company pension scheme
• Salary up to £35k negotiable depending on experience
• Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, team building events and more
• Member of Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)
• Training & Development opportunities
• Hybrid contract: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home (after 6‑month probation)
• Based in Burntwood (WS7)

To drive the growth and success of our sea freight services by managing end‑to‑end operations, delivering exceptional customer service, and supporting commercial expansion. You’ll strengthen relationships with clients and suppliers, re‑engage lapsed accounts, and convert new opportunities into long‑term partnerships.

• Manage full‑cycle import/export shipments (FCL and LCL) from booking to final delivery.
• Coordinate all documentation, customs clearance, and domestic transport in collaboration with internal teams.
• Quote accurately and chase feedback to maximise conversion into live jobs.
• Negotiate competitive rates with carriers and suppliers to maintain margin and service quality.
• Track and monitor shipments using carrier portals and TMS, proactively resolving issues.
• Maintain accurate records and handle invoicing, costing, and query resolution in line with procedures.
• Ensure exceptional customer service that builds trust and encourages repeat business.
• Support the sales team with quotes and identify upselling/cross‑selling opportunities during customer interactions.
• Participate in client and supplier meetings to build rapport and identify growth opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with carriers, suppliers, and agents.
• Contribute to the preferred carrier list by trade lane based on service performance and commercial value.
• Identify and help onboard new carriers and suppliers to expand capacity and reach.
• Collaborate with marketing on targeted campaigns to promote sea freight services.
• Cross‑sell additional services (e.g. European Road, Express, UK Transport & 3PL, Customs) where appropriate.
• Attend client visits to strengthen engagement and explore future sea freight needs.

• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Work closely with our customs and domestic transport teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Keep the Sea and Air Freight Supervisor and Operations Director informed of key developments, issues, or risks.

• Largely self‑initiated role with support and guidance from the Sea and Air Freight Supervisor and Operations Director.
• Ensure adherence to departmental systems and procedures.

• Min 5 years experience in sea freight import/export within freight forwarding.
• Airfreight knowledge is required secondary to sea freight.
• Solid knowledge of Incoterms, shipping lines, trade lanes, and documentation.
• IMDG trained is advantageous.
• Proven ability to negotiate and secure new and repeat business.
• Experience managing both FCL and LCL shipments.
• Comfortable with TMS/CRM systems and carrier platforms.
• Strong network of contacts within shipping lines and agents.
• Confident supporting process improvement and team mentoring.

• Clear, confident communicator with excellent customer service skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions‑focused.
• Self‑motivated and accountable with strong time‑management skills.
• Commercially minded and target driven.
• Able to remain calm and flexible under pressure.
• Positive and professional in all interactions.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Enjoy working within a target‑driven environment, be a team player.
• Being able to work on your own as well as a team, using your own initiative.
• Must be professional and respectful to all stakeholders (colleagues, customers, suppliers etc). Always upholding our company values.

• Collaborative Teamwork:
  Actively contributes to team goals.
• Customer Focus:
  Prioritises customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Adaptability:
  Adjusts quickly to changes in tasks or priorities.
• Relationship Building:
  Develops and maintains strong stakeholder relationships.
• Organisational Awareness:
  Understands the company’s goals and promotes its services.
• Decision Making:
  Makes informed, timely, and effective decisions.

If you feel you have what it takes to fulfil this role, please apply through this advert with your CV and a covering letter stating why you think we should invite you for an interview. Please also state your current salary and/or salary expectations. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT ESPACE DIRECTLY AS WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE PASSED ON.
Final date to receive applications:
Monday 12th January 2026
APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AS THEY COME IN.