Freight Forwarder

Job Title: Freight Forwarder

We are seeking a detail-oriented and resourceful Freight Forwarder to join our logistics and freight forwarding team. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to manage complex freight activities in a fast-paced environment.

This role is responsible for coordinating shipments across air, ocean, and road, liaising with clients, vendors, and customs officials to ensure timely delivery and regulatory compliance. Key duties include preparing and verifying documentation, supporting rate negotiations and invoicing, maintaining accurate shipment records, and providing solutions for urgent or project-based freight needs. The role also involves close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with various stakeholders and customs officials to ensure safe and timely delivery of shipments (Air, Ocean & Road).
• Arrange transportation and track shipments to their destinations.
• Support contract negotiations, RFQs, tenders, and insurance matters.
• Prepare, check, and verify documentation such as bills of lading, invoices, and packing lists.
• Advise clients on optimal shipping methods and routes, especially for critical or urgent shipments.
• Work with customs agents to facilitate smooth clearance processes.
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve shipment-related issues or delays.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of freight compliance, customs regulations, duties, and taxes.
• Keep accurate records of transactions, delivery timelines, and transport arrangements.
• Source compliant suppliers, prepare quotations, validate rates, and support freight negotiations.
• Assist with billing processes and follow up on accounts receivable/payable for projects.
• Maintain records and files in accordance with company guidelines (e.g., TMS).
• Record receipts and payments, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and issue shipment instructions, documentation, and pre-alerts.
• Process vendor charges and coordinate with relevant team members.
• Create and issue purchase orders for approved client orders.
• Obtain written client approval for out-of-scope requests to support billing.
• Ensure accurate billing data capture and reconciliation at period-end.
• Proactively identify and report risks that could impact shipments (e.g., strikes, delays, cost overruns).

Qualifications & Competencies

• Minimum 5 years of experience in shipping, freight forwarding, or project logistics.
• Familiarity with freight forwarding terms and standards (certifications preferred).
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in freight management systems or software.
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills.
• High school diploma required; a degree in logistics or a related field is a plus.

Safety & Compliance

• Always adhere to safe working practices.
• Empowered to stop work if unsafe conditions are identified and report to a supervisor.
• Follow all HSSEQ procedures and reporting protocols.
• Use company reporting tools to log safety observations when necessary.

Work Instructions & Procedures

• Comply with all relevant work instructions and company policies.
• Suggest improvements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Performance Measures

• Timely completion of project milestones and deliverables.
• Adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Fulfillment of assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Timely and accurate completion of operational trackers.

Communication

• Maintain professional, respectful, and transparent communication with clients and colleagues.
• Align communication with internal and external communication protocols.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Be open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Participate in the optimization of systems and processes.

Financial Awareness

• Maintain cost-consciousness and resource efficiency.
• Understand and respect the financial goals of the department.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.