Freight Forwarder

Job Title: Freight Forwarder (Sea Freight)
Salary: €45,000 – €47,000 DOE
Days of work: Monday to Friday

Company Overview

Our client is a leading international logistics and supply chain provider with operations across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, and global markets. The business offers a comprehensive range of freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, road freight, sea freight, air freight, and supply chain solutions to a diverse customer base.

The Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sea Freight Forwarder to join a growing logistics operation in Cork.

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating international freight movements, ensuring all documentation is accurately prepared, maintaining strong relationships with customers and carriers, and ensuring shipments are delivered efficiently and in compliance with customs and regulatory requirements.

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Documentation Management

• Prepare and process shipping documentation including:
• Bills of Lading
• Sea Waybills
• Commercial Invoices
• Certificates of Origin
• Export and Import Documentation
• Ensure all consignments are entered accurately into internal systems before departure and arrival.
• Verify documentation accuracy and compliance requirements.

Freight & Logistics Planning

• Coordinate and manage freight forwarding operations on a daily basis.
• Plan and monitor international shipments from origin through to final delivery.
• Manage operational exceptions including delays, demurrage, detention, and service disruptions.
• Ensure shipments are completed within agreed timelines.

Customs Compliance

• Liaise with customs teams and relevant authorities to ensure timely clearance of cargo.
• Ensure all shipments comply with import/export regulations and customs requirements.
• Minimise delays through proactive customs management.

Carrier Management

• Book cargo space with shipping lines, airlines, hauliers, and logistics providers.
• Negotiate competitive rates and service agreements.
• Maintain strong working relationships with transport partners and suppliers.

Customer Service & Shipment Tracking

• Provide customers with regular updates regarding shipment status.
• Resolve operational issues and manage delays professionally.
• Deliver a high standard of customer service throughout the shipment lifecycle.

Customer & Supplier Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Identify opportunities to grow business within existing customer accounts.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for clients.

Claims Management

• Assist with freight and insurance claims in line with company procedures.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders to ensure claims are processed efficiently.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate shipment records and system updates.
• Ensure all operational costings are entered and invoiced correctly.
• Assist with month-end reporting and financial administration.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in a Freight Forwarding position.
• Strong knowledge of sea freight operations and international import/export procedures.
• Experience coordinating shipments across multiple transport modes.
• Understanding of customs procedures and international trade documentation.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong IT and systems experience.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Commercial awareness and proactive problem-solving approach.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building ability.
• Team player with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Organised and detail-oriented.
• Capable of performing effectively under pressure.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Professional and customer-focused approach.

Benefits

• Company pension scheme following successful completion of probation
• Auto-enrolment pension during the first 6 months
• Following probation, employees join the company pension scheme with Irish Life
• 6% employer contribution
• VHI Healthcare fully paid by the company following successful completion of probation
• Mid-year and end-of-year performance bonuses (historically paid each year)
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• No scheduled weekend or bank holiday work
• Overtime rates:
• Time and a half for Saturdays
• Double time for Bank Holidays