Ocean Operations Agent / Senior Ocean Operations Agent

Location: Philadelphia, PA (On-site, 5 days/week)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We are seeking an Ocean Operations Agent or Senior Ocean Operations Agent (depending on experience) to join a growing ocean freight operations team in Philadelphia. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, customer-focused logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing ocean cargo shipments from origin to destination.

The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating ocean import and export shipments, preparing documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality service to customers and internal partners.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage customer shipping requirements for ocean import and export shipments
Prepare and process ocean export documentation and import documentation for brokerage and customer distribution
Accurately prepare invoices and complete required system entries
Coordinate pickup and delivery with steamship lines, trucking companies, rail providers, and warehouses
Provide timely, professional customer service via phone and email
Communicate effectively with internal teams, regional offices, and external partners
Interface with Customs Brokerage teams to ensure regulatory compliance (including EAR and U.S. Customs requirements)
Provide ocean freight rates to internal and external customers
Manage accounts, track shipments, and provide status reporting
Perform operational and administrative tasks in support of service and company objectives

Qualifications & Experience

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
2+ years of ocean freight forwarding experience preferred, but not required for candidates with strong transferable skills
Experience with FCL / LCL ocean cargo operations and documentation preferred
Familiarity with steamship line Bills of Lading and Incoterms preferred
Ocean freight accounting experience a plus
Strong computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint (AS400 experience a plus)

Skills & Competencies

Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent customer service and teamwork abilities
High attention to detail with strong organizational and follow-up skills
Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities under pressure
Professional, positive, and motivated demeanour
Ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse cultures
Patience and persistence when navigating complex operational processes

Additional Requirements

Availability to work on-site in Philadelphia, five days per week
Flexibility to work extended or adjusted hours based on customer and operational demands
Consistent record of satisfactory performance

Elsdon Group

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