The Role
Join 500 Logistics, a rapidly growing freight forwarding business, as part of our operations team based in Thatcham. This is an exciting opportunity for someone at the start of their career, or looking to begin a new career, to enter a varied, fast-paced role with excellent long-term development opportunities.
You will complete an 18-month Level 3 International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship, combining formal study with comprehensive workplace training from our experienced operations team. You will gradually learn how to quote, book and coordinate international road, air and sea freight movements from initial enquiry through to final delivery, including customs clearance.
No previous freight experience is required. However, this is a busy operational role involving customers, suppliers, deadlines and rapidly changing priorities. We are therefore looking for someone who learns quickly, communicates confidently and takes real pride in producing accurate work. The position would suit someone who is highly organised, has excellent attention to detail and can remain calm when managing several priorities. An interest in business, logistics or international trade would be particularly beneficial.
Responsibilities
As your knowledge and confidence develop, your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing quotations for road, air and sea freight movements
- Booking transport and coordinating shipments from collection through to delivery
- Preparing documentation and arranging customs clearances
- Booking collection and delivery slots with suppliers and receivers
- Monitoring live shipments and responding proactively to any delays or changes
- Keeping customers fully informed throughout their shipment
- Creating and maintaining accurate bookings within our freight management system
- Communicating professionally with customers, hauliers, airlines, shipping lines and overseas agents
- Checking shipment information and documentation for accuracy
- Supporting the wider operations team in delivering an exceptional logistics service
Requirements
Essential
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4/A*–C, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent qualifications
- Strong written communication and numerical skills
- Able to absorb new information, processes and systems quickly
- A logical approach to solving problems and making decisions
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to completing work accurately
- Confident communicating professionally by telephone and email
- Able to organise competing priorities in a busy, fast-moving environment
- Willing to take responsibility, use initiative and ask questions when needed
- Dependable, punctual and committed to completing the apprenticeship
- A positive, team-focused attitude and a genuine desire to build a long-term career
- Please note: Dogs are regularly present in our office, so applicants should be comfortable working in a dog-friendly environment.
Desirable
- A-levels, a BTEC, T-level, college qualification, degree or other further/higher education
- Previous experience from employment, work experience, volunteering, extracurricular activities or positions of responsibility
- An interest in business, logistics, international trade, transport or customer service
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word
- Evidence of achievement beyond academic qualifications, such as sport, societies, part-time work, volunteering or personal projects
Benefits & Features
- £8 - £12.71 per hour, depending on apprenticeship status and experience
- Annual performance based bonus
- Comprehensive training from an experienced and highly successful team
- Excellent long-term career and progression opportunities
- Generous holiday allowance
- Company pension
- Opportunity to join our private healthcare plan following probation
- Free on-site parking
- Walking distance from Thatcham railway station and local bus routes
- Complimentary office snacks, coffee and tea bar, and stocked drinks fridge
- Quarterly company social events
- Friendly, relaxed and supportive working environment
500 Logistics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £8.00-£12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Transport links
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
