Import Operator

About the Role

DP World is a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions, connecting businesses and economies through world-class freight forwarding, transportation and logistics services.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Import Logistics Coordinator to join our Ocean Freight team in Basildon. Reporting to the Imports Manager, this role is responsible for coordinating and managing ocean import shipments from origin through to final delivery, ensuring a seamless, compliant and customer-focused service at every stage.

The successful candidate will have proven experience within ocean freight imports, together with a good understanding of UK customs procedures and the role customs clearance plays within the import process. While direct customs entry experience is not essential, candidates should be confident liaising with customs brokers, understanding customs requirements and managing shipments through the clearance process. Experience within export freight forwarding would be advantageous but is not essential, and could provide additional support and flexibility across the wider operation.

Working closely with overseas agents, carriers, hauliers, customs brokers and customers, you will play a key role in ensuring the efficient movement of cargo, maintaining high service standards and supporting the continued success and growth of our freight forwarding operations.

Location: BASILDON

Contract: Full time, permanent. hybrid working

How You Will Contribute

• Coordinate and monitor inbound ocean freight shipments from booking through to final delivery, ensuring service levels and customer expectations are consistently met.
• Prepare, review and process all required shipment documentation, including bills of lading, arrival notices, customs documentation and delivery orders.
• Complete accurate and timely submission of import declarations through HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS), ensuring full compliance with UK import regulations.
• Communicate effectively with overseas agents, shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, delivery partners and customers to ensure smooth operational execution.
• Track and monitor shipments, proactively identifying and resolving delays, disruptions or exceptions to minimise customer impact.
• Verify and process supplier invoices, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of any discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure all operational systems are updated in a timely and consistent manner.
• Resolve issues relating to shipment documentation, customs clearance, billing and transportation activities.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments, including Sales and Transport teams, to support efficient operational workflows and customer satisfaction.
• Provide customers with proactive shipment updates and deliver a high standard of customer service throughout the lifecycle of each shipment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, compliance and service quality.

About You

Qualifications

• GCSE Level 2 (Grade 4) or equivalent required.
• A qualification in Logistics, International Trade or Supply Chain Management would be advantageous.
• BIFA IFF Apprenticeship or other freight forwarding-related qualifications are desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years' experience within ocean freight import operations, ideally within a freight forwarding or logistics environment.
• Experience handling both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments is preferred.
• Experience of ocean export operations would be beneficial.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end import shipment processes, including customs clearance and customer communication.

Skills

• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when processing documentation and data.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic freight forwarding environment.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of INCOTERMS, ocean freight documentation and UK customs import regulations.
• Working knowledge of HMRC Customs Declaration Service (CDS) requirements and processes.
• Familiarity with customs procedures, tariff classification and import compliance requirements.
• Experience using freight forwarding and logistics systems such as CNS/Destin8, ASM Sequoia or similar platforms.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organisation. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation and benefits package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world's trade flow better, changing what's possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 100,000 employees spanning over 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that's fit for the future.

We're rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses, including Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse technologies, we're at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade and minimising disruption throughout the supply chain.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW

TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on experience, skills and potential. We believe employees are happiest when they're empowered to be their true, authentic selves. So, please come as you are. We can't wait to meet you.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the worldwide recruitment database and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.