Senior Ocean Import Coordinator

New York, NY | Hybrid

Salary: $65,000 – $80,000

About the Company

Our client is an established international freight forwarding and logistics company with a strong presence in the U.S. and an extensive global network.

They are looking to add an experienced Senior Ocean Import Coordinator to their team. This is an opportunity for an experienced operator to take ownership of a portfolio of ocean import shipments and play a key role in maintaining strong customer and carrier relationships.

The Role

The successful candidate will manage ocean import shipments from origin through final delivery, working independently across customers, carriers, customs brokers, trucking providers and other logistics partners.

This is a hands-on operational position suited to someone with strong ocean import experience who can identify issues, manage competing priorities and take ownership of shipments without constant supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage ocean import shipments from booking through final delivery
• Monitor vessel schedules, container movements, customs clearance and delivery milestones
• Review and manage bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, arrival notices and other import documentation
• Coordinate with customs brokers to ensure timely clearance and resolve customs-related issues
• Act as a key point of contact for customers, providing proactive updates and managing exceptions
• Liaise with steamship lines, terminals, trucking companies, warehouses and overseas agents
• Coordinate deliveries, container pickups and returns
• Monitor demurrage, detention and other potential accessorial charges
• Review carrier and vendor invoices against agreed rates
• Maintain accurate shipment records and operational milestones within the company's TMS
• Troubleshoot shipment issues including customs holds, documentation discrepancies, delays and cargo exceptions
• Support customer billing, cost reconciliation and month-end processes
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and service levels
• Support junior team members and share operational knowledge where required

What You Bring

• 4+ years of experience in ocean import operations within freight forwarding, logistics or a related environment
• Strong knowledge of the U.S. ocean import process from origin through final delivery
• Solid understanding of Incoterms, import documentation and U.S. customs procedures
• Experience dealing directly with customers, ocean carriers, customs brokers and trucking providers
• Strong understanding of FCL and LCL shipments
• Experience using a freight forwarding operating system or TMS
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Confident problem-solver who can take ownership of issues through to resolution

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling a complex or high-volume ocean import desk
• Experience with specialized or time-sensitive cargo
• Customs brokerage exposure
• Experience working with overseas agents and international partners
• Previous experience supporting or mentoring junior operations staff
• Additional language skills

What's Offered

• $65,000 – $80,000 salary, depending on experience
• Hybrid working
• Commuting support
• Health benefits and paid time off
• Stable, established working environment
• Training and professional development
• Long-term career progression
• Opportunity to take ownership of a broad ocean import operation