The Sea Freight Operator is responsible for the day-to-day operational handling of import and export sea freight shipments. This role ensures the efficient coordination of bookings, documentation, and communication with shipping lines, agents, transporters, and internal stakeholders. The incumbent will manage both FCL and LCL cargo, ensuring smooth cargo movement in compliance with regulatory requirements and company procedures.
Key Responsibilities
1. Ocean Freight Operations

Manage end-to-end sea freight operations for both FCL and LCL shipments.
Process import and export ocean freight jobs in line with operational standards.
Coordinate vessel bookings with shipping lines and NVOCCs.
Monitor vessel schedules, cut-off times, rollovers, and transhipments.
Track shipments and ensure timely delivery of cargo.

2. Documentation Management

Prepare, review, and submit all required sea freight documentation, including:

Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Shipping Instructions
Commercial Invoices
Packing Lists
Delivery Orders

Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance with customs and trade regulations.
Coordinate documentation amendments and corrections with shipping lines and overseas agents.

3. Coordination & Communication

Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, terminals, customs brokers, and transporters.
Coordinate customs clearance activities with appointed brokers.
Communicate shipment status, ETAs, delays, and operational updates to internal teams and customers.
Resolve operational issues such as delays, demurrage, and detention where applicable.

4. Import & Export Handling

Manage export cargo cut-offs and port gate-in timelines.
Coordinate import deliveries, empty container returns, and container tracking.
Monitor free time and proactively minimise demurrage and detention costs.
Ensure the timely release of cargo and delivery orders.

5. Cost Control & Billing Support

Verify freight costs, local charges, and supplier invoices.
Ensure job files are complete and accurate for billing purposes.
Support the finance team by providing accurate operational data.
Identify and flag cost discrepancies and operational issues impacting profitability.

6. Systems, Compliance & Reporting

Update and maintain shipment information within TMS and ERP systems (e.g. CargoWise).
Utilise Trade Tech systems (RCG) where applicable.
Maintain complete and accurate shipment records.
Adhere to company SOPs, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements.
Support audits, reporting, and operational performance reviews.