Ocean Freight Forwarder Apprentice

This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn, gain full-time employment, and achieve a Level 3 Qualification with ongoing employer opportunities.

Requirements

• GCSE in English (grade A*-C/ 4-9)
• GCSE in Maths (grade A*-C/ 4-9)

If you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience, please share them as the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect your existing knowledge.

Skills:

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Numeracy skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Ability to be non-judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Responsibilities

• Investigate and plan the most appropriate route for shipments, considering the nature of the goods, costs, transit times, and security.
• Negotiate rates for transportation, shipping, and handling costs, and quote clients accordingly.
• Obtain, check, and prepare documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements, as well as packing specifications.
• Ensure trade compliance with other countries’ regulations and fiscal regimes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, political situations, and other factors that could affect the movement of freight.
• Demonstrate strong customer focus, with the ability to communicate effectively and approach all situations calmly and sympathetically.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and both internal and external customers.
• Provide customers with accurate updates and address any queries or complaints.
• Act as a broker in customs negotiations worldwide to facilitate the efficient movement of freight through complex procedures.
• Effectively utilize available resources to maintain customer objectives.
• Prioritize using LV’s own offices for international movements where possible, or otherwise approved and vetted agents.
• Select freight forwarding services based on customer requirements, considering country-specific factors, delivery times, and modes.
• Use generic or bespoke ICT systems to enter and monitor data on importing or exporting goods.
• Book, plan, and monitor international shipments using manual or ICT systems, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Prepare customs declarations to a national standard or provide customs clearance instructions to a third party.
• Use data systems to submit information required by customs authorities for the international movement of goods.
• Produce freight costings and invoices in line with Incoterms, customer profile, or sales contracts.
• Identify and source data from customers, systems, or colleagues.
• Identify and resolve problems within the scope of responsibilities.
• Create and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Adapt communication based on the situation and audience.
• Identify problems outside of the scope of responsibilities and escalate them according to company policy.
• Communicate in writing, preparing technical communications.
• Communicate verbally with internal and external customers.
• Use and adapt terminology appropriate to air, ocean, and road freight industries.
• Select and use documentation appropriate to air, ocean, and road freight industries.