Operations specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Operations Specialist to manage and coordinate day-to-day freight and logistics operations, ensuring the smooth and timely movement of shipments from origin to destination. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation, with a strong understanding of air, sea, and land freight operations.

The role requires close coordination with customers, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses, and internal teams to ensure shipments are processed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage end-to-end freight and logistics operations, from shipment booking through delivery and final documentation.
• Handle and monitor air, ocean, and road freight shipments, ensuring timely movement and delivery.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and warehouses.
• Prepare, review, and maintain shipping and logistics documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, Bills of Lading, Air Waybills, delivery orders, and customs documentation.
• Follow up on shipment status, ETAs, arrivals, customs clearance, releases, and final delivery.
• Coordinate with customs clearance teams and ensure required documentation is available for smooth customs processing.
• Monitor and resolve operational issues such as shipment delays, documentation discrepancies, customs holds, damages, or delivery challenges.
• Ensure shipments comply with applicable customs regulations, Incoterms, transport requirements, and company procedures.
• Coordinate with internal Sales, Pricing, Finance, Warehouse, and Compliance teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Communicate proactively with customers regarding shipment status, documentation requirements, delays, and operational updates.
• Obtain and coordinate transportation and delivery arrangements with approved carriers and service providers.
• Monitor shipment costs and operational charges and ensure accurate documentation for invoicing and billing.
• Maintain accurate records of shipments, operational activities, costs, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare regular operations reports, shipment status reports, KPIs, and performance dashboards for management.
• Identify operational issues and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, reduce delays, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Support customer onboarding and ensure operational requirements are properly implemented.
• Maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers, carriers, customs brokers, and logistics partners.
• Ensure all operational activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Transportation, or a related field.
• 4+ years of hands-on operations experience in freight forwarding, logistics, 3PL, customs clearance, or related sectors.
• Strong practical knowledge of air, ocean, and road freight operations.
• Experience managing shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Good understanding of customs procedures, shipping documentation, Incoterms, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience coordinating with shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, warehouses, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.
• Strong shipment tracking, follow-up, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel; experience with ERP, TMS, WMS, or logistics systems is preferred.
• Experience preparing operational reports, KPIs, and shipment analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively with customers and internal cross-functional teams.
• Fluency in [Languages as required by location/market].
• Ability to travel or work flexible hours when required by operational needs.

Important Experience Requirement

Candidates should have core experience in freight and logistics operations, particularly in freight forwarding, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, or 3PL.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience working for a freight forwarder, NVOCC, freight brokerage, or 3PL provider.
• Experience with multimodal transportation and coordinating combined air/sea/road shipments.
• Hands-on experience with customs clearance and import/export documentation.
• Knowledge of digital freight platforms, TMS/WMS, or integrated logistics systems.
• Experience with cost control, freight reconciliation, and cost-to-serve analysis.
• Knowledge of Saudi/GCC customs and logistics regulations where applicable.
• Certifications such as CPSM, CILT, CCLP, or similar logistics/supply chain certifications