Ocean Import Operator – NVOCC
Location: Chelmsford, UK
Salary: £30,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience)
Schedule: Full-time | 9:00am – 5:15pm | Office-based (5 days per week)
Join a fast-growing logistics business with big ambitions.
A rapidly expanding UK-based NVOCC is looking for a driven Ocean Import Operator to join its team at the Chelmsford head office. The company has ambitious growth plans and is building a team of motivated logistics professionals who want to develop their careers while helping scale a high-performance operation.
This role is ideal for someone with NVOCC or freight forwarding experience in ocean imports who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to play a key role in managing import shipments from vessel arrival through to final delivery.
Key Responsibilities -
Import Operations Management
* Manage ocean import shipments under House Bills of Lading (HBLs).
* Verify Master Bills of Lading (MBLs) against internal documentation.
* Coordinate with shipping lines, overseas agents, co-loaders, and consolidation partners.
* Monitor vessel arrivals, port free time, and manage demurrage/detention exposure.
* Arrange cargo unpacking where required and coordinate final delivery.
Carrier & Liability Management
* Operate in line with company terms and conditions (e.g., BIFA STCs).
* Identify and escalate potential cargo liability risks.
* Handle cargo discrepancies, damage reports, and claims where required.
* Maintain accurate operational documentation to mitigate risk.
Customs & Regulatory Compliance
* Submit or coordinate UK import customs declarations via CDS.
* Verify commodity codes, customs values, origin, and duty/VAT calculations.
* Ensure compliance with HMRC, Border Force, and port health requirements.
* Review shipment documentation including invoices, packing lists, and certificates.
Financial & Documentation Control
* Issue arrival notices to consignees.
* Calculate landed costs including freight, handling charges, and surcharges.
* Approve supplier invoices and generate customer invoices.
* Maintain complete and audit-ready digital shipment files.
Customer & Partner Communication
* Provide proactive updates to customers on shipment status.
* Resolve operational issues or delivery delays efficiently.
* Build strong relationships with carriers, agents, and logistics partners.
Key Requirements -
Essential
* 2+ years’ experience in UK ocean imports within an NVOCC or freight forwarding environment.
* Experience managing House Bills of Lading and consolidation shipments.
* Strong knowledge of demurrage/detention management.
* Working knowledge of UK Customs CDS procedures.
* Understanding of Incoterms and international shipping documentation.
Desirable
* Experience with Destin8, CNS, or other port community systems.
* Claims handling experience.
* Knowledge of SOLAS VGM or IMDG regulations.
* Industry training such as BIFA certification.
What They’re Looking For
* Someone ambitious and eager to grow within a scaling logistics business.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced NVOCC environment.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
* A proactive communicator who takes ownership of files and operational outcomes.
Benefits
* £30,000 – £45,000 salary depending on experience
* Pension scheme
* 21 days annual leave + bank holidays
* Clear career progression opportunities within a growing NVOCC operation.