Import Operator - International Freight Forwarding

We are seeking an experienced Forwarding Import Operator to join our import operations team.

This position is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of import shipments into Australia, including job registration, shipment line creation and maintenance, shipment arrival and pre-alert follow-up, shipment arrangements, vendor invoice review and recording, and final cargo delivery arrangements.

The role will also be responsible for managing import shipments nominated or referred by overseas agents, ensuring their shipments are properly coordinated and completed in Australia in accordance with agreed instructions and service requirements.

·         Register new import jobs accurately and promptly in CargoWise.

·         Create, update and maintain shipment lines and shipment information.

·         Review overseas pre-alerts and supporting shipping documentation.

·         Follow up shipment arrival notices and expected arrival information.

·         Monitor vessel, flight and cargo arrival status.

·         Follow up air terminal shipment arrival and pre-alert notices and communicate relevant information to customers and internal teams.

·         Check shipment documents and ensure required information is available before cargo arrival.

·         Coordinate import shipment arrangements from arrival through to final delivery.

·         Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, airlines, air terminals, depots, transport providers, customers and internal departments.

·         Manage overseas agent import shipments into Australia, including following overseas instructions, updating agents on shipment progress and coordinating local Australian requirements.

·         Coordinate with Customs Brokers and relevant teams regarding customs clearance, quarantine and biosecurity requirements.

·         Arrange FCL, LCL and airfreight cargo collection and delivery.

·         Monitor cargo availability, terminal availability and delivery requirements.

·         Follow up outstanding operational matters to avoid unnecessary storage, demurrage or shipment delays.

·         Review vendor invoices against the relevant shipment and services provided.

·         Record vendor invoices and shipment costs accurately against the correct job.

·         Identify incorrect, duplicated or unexpected vendor charges and follow up where necessary.

·         Maintain accurate operational records, documents, milestones and notes in CargoWise.

·         Keep customers and overseas agents informed of shipment status, delays and delivery arrangements.

·         Ensure shipment files are operationally complete before handover for billing and job closure.

·         Previous experience in freight forwarding import operations is preferred.

·         Experience handling airfreight and/or sea freight imports into Australia.

·         Experience managing overseas agent nominated shipments is highly desirable.

·         Practical knowledge of CargoWise / CargoWise One / CargoWise Next is highly regarded.

·         Good understanding of import shipment documentation and operational procedures.

·         Familiarity with airlines, air terminals, shipping lines, depots and transport providers.

·         General understanding of Australian Customs and Biosecurity requirements.

·         Experience reviewing shipment-related vendor invoices and operational costs.

·         Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.

·         Good communication and follow-up skills.

·         Strong organisation and ability to manage multiple active shipments at the same time.

The successful candidate should be someone who can take ownership of an import shipment from job registration through to cargo delivery.

You should be able to follow up shipments proactively rather than waiting for issues to arise, communicate clearly with customers, overseas agents and vendors, and maintain accurate shipment and cost information throughout the operational process.

Experience with CargoWise and Australian import freight forwarding operations will be highly regarded.