Export Supervisor

First Call Contract Services, Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

First Call Contract Services, Ltd. is seeking an experienced Export Supervisor to lead a fast-paced freight forwarding operation in London.

You will oversee day-to-day export activities, ensure CDS compliance, manage airline allocations, and mentor a team of three Export Clerks, acting as the senior contact across carriers and authorities. The role requires hands-on leadership, accuracy under deadlines, and strong knowledge of UK customs procedures.

Qualifications

• Solid background in air freight forwarding or cross-border logistics.
• Proven proficiency with CDS and export documentation (MAWB/HAWB).
• Leadership experience supervising junior staff.
• Strong analytical skills to resolve shipment issues.
• Clear, confident communication across carriers and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of three Export Clerks, ensuring accuracy and adherence to procedures.
• Complete export customs entries using the CDS system and ensure compliance with UK regulations.
• Process MAWBs, HAWBs, invoices and shipping paperwork within tight deadlines.
• Manage airline relationships, space allocations, and bookings for efficient routes.
• Liaise with airlines, carriers, hauliers, customs and internal teams to resolve delays.
• Maintain export transaction logs and drive continuous improvement across workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Customs Expertise

Industry Knowledge

Systems & Problem Solving

Communication

Tools

CDS system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Export Supervisor

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 18:00 (Flexibility available for the right candidate)

Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum (Depending on Experience)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established international freight forwarding and cross-border logistics provider. Delivering tailored supply chain, customs, and global air freight solutions, they pride themselves on operational excellence, strict regulatory compliance, and high standards of service execution across international markets.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Export Supervisor to join a fast-paced logistics operation. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will oversee day‑to‑day export operations, manage airline allocations, and directly supervise and mentor a team of three Export Clerks. You will serve as the senior point of contact within the department, ensuring strict compliance, high accuracy, and seamless global distribution.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Supervision & Quality Control: Lead, support, and mentor a team of three Export Clerks. Audit and verify completed work to maintain procedural adherence, accuracy, and operational efficiency.




• Customs Clearance & Compliance: Complete export customs entries using the CDS (Customs Declaration Service) system. Ensure all shipments comply fully with UK customs regulations and international trade laws.




• Documentation & Operations: Process essential export documentation, including Master Air Waybills (MAWBs), House Air Waybills (HAWBs), commercial invoices, and associated shipping paperwork accurately within strict deadlines.




• Airline Management & Allocation: Manage airline relationships, handle space allocations, and perform booking management to secure efficient transit routes.




• Stakeholder & Carrier Liaison: Act as the senior escalation point, collaborating with airlines, shipping lines, hauliers, customs authorities, and internal teams to resolve live operational or customs delays.




• Process Improvement & Records: Maintain comprehensive export transaction logs and audit trails while driving continuous improvement across logistics workflows and service standards.

About You

Essential Criteria:

• Industry Experience: Solid background within air freight forwarding, export logistics, or cross-border supply chain operations.




• Customs Expertise: Proven proficiency in processing customs entries through the CDS system and a strong working knowledge of export documentation (MAWB/HAWB) and UK customs procedures.




• Leadership Capability: Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or checking the work of junior operational staff.




• Systems & Problem Solving: Proficient in Microsoft Office and freight management systems, with strong analytical skills to resolve live shipment exceptions under pressure.




• Communication: Clear, confident communication skills to liaise effectively across carriers, regulatory bodies, and internal departments.

What’s on Offer

• Salary: Competitive £45,000 – £50,000 salary package, depending on experience.




• Schedule: Full-time Monday-Friday hours with shift flexibility for the right candidate.




• Career Growth: A pivotal supervisory position offering direct team management and operational autonomy within a scaling logistics business.