Westbound Logistics Services are an award-winning leader in the freight and logistics industry, with offices in the UK, China and Europe.
Westbound Logistics is looking for an experienced FCL Import Operator to join our Sea Freight Import department.
This role will suit someone with a strong operational understanding of Full Container Load import movements who enjoys taking ownership of shipments and ensuring cargo moves efficiently from origin through to final delivery.
You will be working closely with overseas offices, shipping lines, transport providers and internal teams to ensure shipments are handled smoothly and in line with customer expectations.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have a solid background in FCL operations and a good understanding of how operational performance supports wider customer relationships and commercial commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing FCL import shipments from origin through to final delivery in the UK
- Liaising with overseas offices including Westbound China offices
- Communicating with shipping lines regarding bookings, container availability and schedules
- Coordinating customs clearance with the customs department
- Liaising with UK transport providers to arrange final deliveries
- Liaising with warehouses and third-party facilities where required
- Understanding the importance of key client shipments and ensuring operational delivery supports commitments made by the commercial team
- Monitoring shipments and proactively resolving operational issues
- Supporting the wider import team to maintain smooth workflow across the department
- Liaising with internal departments including accounts to ensure cargo can be released without delay
- Maintaining accurate shipment records and documentation including Bills of Lading
Experience & Knowledge
We are ideally looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working in FCL import operations
- Has a good working knowledge of container shipping processes and documentation
- Understands the importance of shipping line relationships, container availability and carrier performance
- Is confident managing shipments independently while contributing to the wider team
- Has strong organisational and problem-solving skills
Experience with customs entries or import procedures would be beneficial but is not essential.
Personal Attributes
- Strong communicator with a confident telephone manner
- Proactive and able to take ownership of tasks
- Calm under pressure and comfortable resolving operational challenges
- Organised and able to manage multiple shipments simultaneously
- Positive and collaborative approach to working within a team environment
We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy developing their operational knowledge and contributing to the wider success of the department as the business continues to grow.
Salary: Negotiable during interview process, dependent on experience.
Probation: 6 months, with ongoing review at 3 months.
Following successful completion of probation the employee will be invited into a contributory pension and NHS Top-Up health scheme.
20 days paid holiday per year
Following completion of the first full year of employment, an additional one day per year is gained, capped at 25 days (excluding bank holidays).
Pay: £25,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Application question(s):
- We are seeking candidates within a commutable distance of our offices in Basildon only
Work Location: In person
