Air Import Operator

Right Now Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Air Import Operator to progress into a Team Leader role in Greater London. This hands-on position focuses on overseeing airfreight operations and requires strong operational knowledge and leadership abilities. Responsibilities include managing import shipments, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and fostering a high-performance team culture. The role offers a salary between £35,000 and £40,000 with a 4 on 4 off shift pattern.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in airfreight import operations.
• Strong understanding of customs processes and entries.
• Knowledge of ETSF and HMRC / Border Force regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the airfreight operations team to deliver high-quality work.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC / Border Force regulations.
• Manage airfreight import shipments from origin to final delivery.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures tailored to customer requirements.
• Conduct monthly audits of ETSF paperwork and customs entries.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong organisational and administrative abilities

High attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to perform under pressure

Positive, proactive attitude

Strong problem-solving skills

Confident decision-making

Tools

MS Office

Internal logistics systems

Job description

Right Now Group are seeking an experienced Air Import Operator looking to progress into a Team Leader role to lead and support a small, fast-paced airfreight operations team. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong operational knowledge, leadership capability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers, clients, and agents.

You will be responsible for overseeing daily import operations, ensuring compliance with HMRC / Border Force regulations, resolving issues efficiently, and fostering a high-performance, collaborative team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and support a small airfreight operations team to consistently deliver high-quality work
• Coach, mentor, and train team members, including updates on regulatory and internal procedures
• Allocate and oversee daily workloads; ensure operational cover during holidays and sickness
• Conduct daily and weekly team meetings; escalate issues to management where required
• Promote a proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused team culture
• Manage airfreight import shipments from origin through to final delivery
• Ensure full compliance with ETSF procedures and HMRC / Border Force regulations
• Monitor arrivals, trigger points, discrepancies, amendments, and claims
• Carry out regular warehouse walk-throughs and bond checks; document and resolve any discrepancies
• Maintain and update customer and supplier records within internal systems
• Lead and participate in cross-departmental meetings with Transport, Warehouse, and Customer Service teams
• Deliver high-level customer service through clear, professional communication
• Handle and resolve queries from customers, suppliers, and overseas agents
• Ensure efficient and effective communication within the team and with external stakeholders
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs tailored to specific customer requirements)
• Conduct monthly audits of ETSF paperwork and customs entries
• Keep the team informed of all HMRC / Border Force regulatory changes
• Maintain dashboards and internal records with accurate, up-to-date shipment and compliance data
• Ensure all procedural updates are documented and communicated effectively

Shift: 4 on 4 off

Hours: 07:00 - 19:00

Salary: £35,000 to £40,000

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to perform under pressure in a high-volume environment
• Positive, proactive attitude with strong problem‑solving skills
• Confident decision‑making based on sound judgment
• 3-5 years' experience in airfreight import operations
• Strong understanding of customs processes and entries
• Knowledge of ETSF and HMRC / Border Force regulations
• Proficiency in MS Office and internal logistics systems