Job Title
Freight Forwarding Specialist (Ocean & Air Operations)
Location
Tokyo, Japan
Workplace Type
Office-Based / Hybrid Flexibility Available
Working Hours
Flexible Working Hours (Flex Time System)
Standard Working Hours: 8 hours per day
Company Overview
A global logistics and supply chain solutions provider is seeking a Freight Forwarding Specialist to support its expanding international transportation operations. The organization delivers integrated logistics services across air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, warehousing, transportation, and end-to-end supply chain solutions, serving customers across multiple industries worldwide.
Role Overview
This position is responsible for coordinating international freight forwarding operations across ocean, air, and ground transportation services. The role manages the end-to-end shipment process, including carrier coordination, customer communication, quotation preparation, shipment execution, and invoicing.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, customer-focused, and comfortable working in a fast-paced international logistics environment while collaborating with customers, overseas offices, carriers, and logistics partners.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and support international freight forwarding operations across:
Ocean Freight
Air Freight
Ground Transportation
Manage end-to-end shipment execution from booking through final invoicing.
Arrange bookings with shipping lines, airlines, and transportation providers.
Communicate with carriers, freight partners, and logistics service providers to ensure smooth shipment execution.
Coordinate with overseas customers and global stakeholders through English-language correspondence.
Monitor daily shipment activities and proactively resolve operational issues.
Request and evaluate transportation costs from carriers, trucking companies, customs brokers, and service providers.
Prepare and submit customer quotations and pricing proposals.
Generate and issue invoices following shipment completion.
Maintain shipment records and operational data within transportation management systems.
Ensure compliance with operational procedures, customer requirements, and shipment deadlines.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, carriers, and logistics partners.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Experience in freight forwarding operations involving:
Ocean Freight
Air Freight
International Logistics
Business-level Japanese and English communication skills (written and verbal).
Experience communicating with international customers and overseas stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities and perform under pressure.
Proactive attitude with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Willingness to learn and adapt within a dynamic logistics environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing strategic customer accounts and supporting customer retention initiatives.
Understanding of project logistics and specialized cargo transportation.
Experience supporting industries such as:
Automotive
Manufacturing
Consumer Goods
Technology
Industrial Products
Knowledge of multimodal transportation and complex supply chain operations.
Experience contributing to revenue growth through customer service excellence and account development.
Technical Environment
Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
Freight Forwarding Platforms
Shipment Tracking Systems
Ocean Freight Operations
Air Freight Operations
Carrier Management
Customs Coordination
Quotation & Cost Management
Logistics Documentation
International Trade Operations
Core Competencies
Freight Forwarding Operations
International Logistics Coordination
Customer Service Management
Shipment Planning & Execution
Vendor & Carrier Management
Cost Analysis & Quotation Preparation
Supply Chain Coordination
Cross-Border Communication
Problem Solving
Process Management
Ideal Candidate Profile
Customer-focused with strong attention to detail.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Effective communicator with the ability to build relationships across cultures.
Able to remain calm and solution-oriented when handling operational challenges.
Collaborative team player with an international mindset.
Motivated to grow within the logistics and supply chain industry.
What This Role Offers
Opportunity to join a globally connected logistics organization.
Exposure to international transportation and supply chain operations.
Daily collaboration with overseas offices, customers, and logistics partners.
Flexible working environment supporting work-life balance.
Career development opportunities within freight forwarding, logistics operations, and supply chain management.
Broad exposure to multiple industries and complex international shipping projects.