Export & Cross Trade Operatot

Location: Laindon
Job Type:Full-time / Permanent

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced freight forwarding professional who thrives in a fast-paced logistics environment, enjoys building strong customer relationships and understands the importance of delivering efficient, cost-effective and reliable export solutions.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing day-to-day export and cross-trade operations across sea, air and road freight, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently, compliantly and to the highest standards of customer service.

Export & Cross-Trade Operations

• • Manage the full lifecycle of export bookings, including general export enquiries, shipment coordination and cross-trade movements.
  • Coordinate multimodal shipments across sea, air and road freight, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
  • Arrange collections, overseas deliveries and the preparation and management of customs documentation.
  • Create and maintain accurate shipment records within LBase, ensuring all job details and operational information are up to date.
  • Liaise with overseas agents, carriers, third-party logistics providers, customs authorities and internal departments to ensure smooth operations.
  • Monitor shipment progress and proactively resolve any operational issues or delays.

• Customer Service & Business Development

  • Deliver excellent customer service by understanding client requirements and meeting, or exceeding, expectations.
  • Support sales leads and contribute to developing new business opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
  • Assist the sales team with B2B initiatives, accurate data entry, shipment updates and logistical support.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and overseas partners.

  Commercial & Financial Management

  • Negotiate competitive rates and terms with carriers, suppliers and logistics partners while maintaining high service standards.
  • Ensure all job costs are accurately recorded in LBase.
  • Prepare and issue export and cross-trade invoices promptly and accurately.
  • Liaise with the accounts department to resolve sales and cost queries.
  • Work closely with the Branch Manager and colleagues to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

  Compliance & Administration

  • Ensure all shipments comply with relevant export regulations, customs requirements and industry standards.
  • Maintain accurate records of export transactions, shipment statuses and compliance documentation for audit purposes.
  • Support the development of supply chain processes to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.Teamwork & Support
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the department, particularly during peak periods and holiday cover.
  • Provide operational support across other areas of the business when required.
  • Assist with the training and development of new team members.
  • The Ideal Candidate

    We are looking for someone who has:

  • Previous experience in freight forwarding, ideally within export operations and cross trade.
  • A good understanding of multimodal freight, including sea, air and road exports.
  • Knowledge of export documentation, customs procedures and international shipping requirements.
  • Experience liaising with overseas agents, carriers, suppliers and customers.
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
  • Excellent communication, customer service and problem-solving skills.
  • Commercial awareness and the confidence to negotiate competitive supplier rates.
  • Good numerical and administrative skills, with experience in job costing and invoicing.
  • Strong IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate records across operational systems. Experience using LBase would be an advantage.
  • A proactive, flexible and team-oriented approach, with a commitment to delivering high standards of service.