Freight Forwarder

To work within a busy Ocean or Air Freight department, based at the Birmingham HQ on the Birmingham Business Park (near to the NEC and Birmingham International Railway Station):

* Develop and build relationships to ensure a high level of customer service is provided to clients.

* Maintain, review and create tariffs with agreed customer rates.

* Create quotations for import, export or cross trade in an agreed timeframe; and follow up on quotations to a conclusion.

* Negotiate rates with suppliers, airlines and overseas partners/agents.

* Build strong working relationships with suppliers, airlines & overseas partners/agents.

* Maintain an understanding and awareness of market conditions and trends.

* Check and raise sales invoices, securing payment.

* Communicate effectively with operations colleagues.

* Create and maintain customer standard operating procedures.

* Communication with overseas agents and clients is clear precise and effective.

* Accurate & timely reporting to department manager.

* Take ownership of own training and development so as to continuously improve and develop, including training new starters where required.

What we’re looking for

* Commercial experience in freight forwarding.

* Import and/or export experience involving air OR ocean shipments

* The ability to grow repeat business and develop new opportunities.

* Experience of working in a high pressure environment whilst retaining the capacity to remain calm under pressure.

* The ability to prioritise a large number of tasks to ensure accuracy, and deliver results with great attention to detail and a high sense of urgency.

* Be able to travel at short notice when required.

* Foreign languages would be an added advantage