Ocean Import Operator – NVOCC
Location: Chelmsford, UK
Salary: £30,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience)
Schedule: Full-time | 9:00am – 5:15pm | Office-based (5 days per week)


Join a fast-growing logistics business with big ambitions.
A rapidly expanding UK-based NVOCC is looking for a driven Ocean Import Operator to join its team at the Chelmsford head office. The company has ambitious growth plans and is building a team of motivated logistics professionals who want to develop their careers while helping scale a high-performance operation.


This role is ideal for someone with NVOCC or freight forwarding experience in ocean imports who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to play a key role in managing import shipments from vessel arrival through to final delivery.


Key Responsibilities -
Import Operations Management
*Manage ocean import shipments under House Bills of Lading (HBLs).
*Verify Master Bills of Lading (MBLs) against internal documentation.
*Coordinate with shipping lines, overseas agents, co-loaders, and consolidation partners.
*Monitor vessel arrivals, port free time, and manage demurrage/detention exposure.
*Arrange cargo unpacking where required and coordinate final delivery.
Carrier & Liability Management
*Operate in line with company terms and conditions (e.g., BIFA STCs).
*Identify and escalate potential cargo liability risks.
*Handle cargo discrepancies, damage reports, and claims where required.
*Maintain accurate operational documentation to mitigate risk.
Customs & Regulatory Compliance
*Submit or coordinate UK import customs declarations via CDS.
*Verify commodity codes, customs values, origin, and duty/VAT calculations.
*Ensure compliance with HMRC, Border Force, and port health requirements.
*Review shipment documentation including invoices, packing lists, and certificates.
Financial & Documentation Control
*Issue arrival notices to consignees.
*Calculate landed costs including freight, handling charges, and surcharges.
*Approve supplier invoices and generate customer invoices.
*Maintain complete and audit-ready digital shipment files.
Customer & Partner Communication
*Provide proactive updates to customers on shipment status.
*Resolve operational issues or delivery delays efficiently.
*Build strong relationships with carriers, agents, and logistics partners.


Key Requirements -
Essential
*2+ years’ experience in UK ocean imports within an NVOCC or freight forwarding environment.
*Experience managing House Bills of Lading and consolidation shipments.
*Strong knowledge of demurrage/detention management.
*Working knowledge of UK Customs CDS procedures.


Desirable
*Experience with Destin8, CNS, or other port community systems.
*Claims handling experience.
*Knowledge of SOLAS VGM or IMDG regulations.
*Industry training such as BIFA certification.


What They’re Looking For
*Someone ambitious and eager to grow within a scaling logistics business.
*Comfortable working in a fast-paced NVOCC environment.
*Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
*A proactive communicator who takes ownership of files and operational outcomes.


Benefits
*£30,000 – £45,000 salary depending on experience
*Pension scheme
*21 days annual leave + bank holidays
*Clear career progression opportunities within a growing NVOCC operation.