Shipping Line / Port Agency Clerk

'Recruiting for your future success’

Shipping Line / Port Agency Clerk

Up to £30k| 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday, with some flexibility needed depending on vessels in port | Harwich | 22 Days Holiday (plus Bank Holidays) | On-site parking

Our client acts as the UK agent for a leading global shipping company, operating out of Harwich. The Agency department is now seeking a new team member to support the day-to-day operations involved with the smooth movement of cargo and coordination of port activity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a close-knit, professional environment, with full training provided on internal systems and processes. While previous shipping experience—including operations, customs procedures, and sales—is beneficial, it is not essential for the right person.

Duties (include but are not limited to):

• Work as part of the Agency team, reporting to the Sales & Agency Manager

• Take and process customer bookings and liaise over booking and quotation details

• Collate booking information and finalise completed manifests

• Prepare and submit import and export customs entries

• Process sales invoicing accurately and on time

• Generate export cargo lists and monitor empty equipment requirements

• Monitor vessel schedules and book port slots for line vessels

• Visit vessels while in port and manage third-party agency duties

• Prepare quotations and follow up for feedback and conversion

Person Specification:

• Some experience or understanding of shipping, agency, or logistics is preferred

• Working knowledge of customs procedures (import/export) is highly desirable

• Excellent communication skills—for internal teamwork and client relationships

• Confident in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word), with strong attention to detail

• Flexible and responsive to the needs of vessels and port schedules

• Proactive, organised, and committed to delivering outstanding service

LIGHTHOUSE PERSONNEL LTD ARE A RECRUITMENT AGENCY WORKING ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT. PLEASE NOTE WE RECEIVE A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS PER VACANCY AND UNFORTUNATELY CANNOT RESPOND TO ALL APPLICANTS. THEREFORE, IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN A MONTH FROM APPLICATION DATE, IT IS LIKELY THAT YOU HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.

If you have been successful, we will contact you by phone and begin taking you through our step-by-step recruitment process—ensuring the role is right for you and assessing your suitability along the way. This will all be explained on initial contact.