Freight Logistics Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate import and export shipments across sea, air, road, and courier modes.
• Obtain and evaluate freight quotes from shipping lines, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to select the best option based on cost, transit time, cargo requirements, and scheduling.
• Arrange bookings, pickups, transportation, and delivery of shipments.
• Monitor shipments from origin to destination and provide regular updates to management.
• Prepare and verify shipping documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, certificates of origin, delivery orders, and customs papers, ensuring accuracy of details such as shipper, consignee, cargo description, HS codes, weights, and dimensions.
• Coordinate needed changes to shipping documents and maintain complete records.
• Liaise with customs brokers and clearing agents for import/export clearance, providing required documentation and following up on inspections, duty payments, permits, and cargo release processes.
• Address customs-related issues or clearance delays promptly.
• Handle marine logistics including arranging transportation for ship spares, equipment, and technical materials to vessels, ports, shipyards, warehouses, and offshore sites, including transshipment coordination.
• Manage warehouse operations related to receipt, storage, and dispatch of materials, ensuring proper packing, labeling, and record keeping.
• Coordinate transport logistics from warehouse to vessels, shipyards, and project locations.
• Engage freight forwarders, shipping agents, couriers, transporters, customs brokers, and suppliers; negotiate freight rates and transportation charges as needed.
• Monitor service levels, resolve shipment issues, and verify freight invoices against agreed quotations and documentation.
• Track shipments with timely updates on estimated departure and arrival times, customs clearance, delivery status, and any delays.
• Maintain shipment and logistics records and prepare periodic freight/logistics reports.
• Escalate operational delays or issues that could impact vessel or project schedules.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Shipping & Logistics preferred; IATA certification and valid UAE driving license are advantageous.
• At least 5 years of experience in freight and logistics operations.
• Familiarity with UAE ports, airports, customs regulations, and portals.
• Understanding of economic and accounting practices.
• Proficiency in mathematics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
• Strong knowledge of customer service principles including assessment of customer needs, quality standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation.
• Excellent computer literacy and strong numerical skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Analytical abilities to prepare financial reports and perform cost analyses.
• Negotiation skills and capacity to lead meetings with suppliers and suppliers’ negotiation.
• Problem-solving aptitude to propose effective solutions aligned with organizational requirements.
• Self-driven, capable of handling pressure, meeting deadlines, and demonstrating resilience.
• Ability to recommend process improvements and communicate clearly in English in both verbal and written forms.
• Experience managing shipment tracking, inquiries, and prioritizing workload.

Desirable Competencies

• Logical reasoning to evaluate alternative solutions, conclusions, and problem approaches.
• Judgment and decision-making skills focused on weighing costs and benefits to select suitable actions.