Job Description
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