Operational Specialist

About the Role

Taj HR is seeking an Operational Specialist to manage and coordinate daily freight and logistics operations. This full-time position is based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and requires ensuring the smooth and timely movement of shipments from origin to destination. The role involves close coordination with customers, carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouses, and internal teams to process shipments efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with 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.

Required Experience and Qualifications

Candidates should possess 2-5 years of experience in freight and logistics operations. Core experience is required in freight forwarding, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, or 3PL.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position located in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role requires a detail-oriented and results-driven individual capable of managing complex logistics operations within a dynamic environment.