Freight Import Manager

WR Logistics; Camberley; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable freight forwarder in the UK is seeking an experienced Freight Import Manager to lead their import operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in import operations and experience managing teams, with a focus on ocean freight. Responsibilities include overseeing the import cycle, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and providing exceptional customer service. This role offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape the department’s performance and future.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £55k

Autonomy in leadership role

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in freight forwarding.
• Experience managing a team or department.
• Solid understanding of customs regulations and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full import cycle from origin to delivery.
• Manage import process with a focus on ocean freight.
• Train and develop the import team.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations.
• Approve freight invoices and monitor job profitability.

Skills

Strong background in import operations

Customs procedures knowledge

Confident communication skills

Ability to solve operational issues

Experience with TMS/ERP platforms

Job description

Freight Import Manager Salary : Up to £55,000 Location : Farnborough Hours : Monday-Friday

Are you an experienced import professional ready to take ownership of a high-performing multimodal operation? We're recruiting for an Freight Import Manager to lead a busy, customer-focused department within a well-established freight forwarder. With a strong emphasis on ocean freight, this role is ideal for someone with proven senior-level experience - whether you're an Import Manager, Operations Manager, or Branch Manager looking for your next challenge.

What You'll Be Doing

In this leadership role, you will oversee the full import cycle across sea, air, and road, ensuring shipments move smoothly from origin to final delivery. You'll manage day-to-day operations, support a skilled team, and act as the main point of contact for key accounts.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing all aspects of the import process, with a strong focus on LCL / FCL ocean freight.
• Overseeing customs clearance, documentation, scheduling, and domestic transport arrangements.

Optimising workflow

• Providing exceptional service to customers, offering solutions, updates, and guidance on best practices and routing options.
• Approve freight invoices, verify charges, track job profitability. Ensure correct billing to customers and update cost sheets.
• Ensuring full compliance with UK customs regulations and international trade requirements.
• Training, coaching, and developing the import team to maintain high standards of accuracy and service.
• Monitoring KPIs, reporting performance, and suggesting process improvements to increase efficiency and profitability.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who can bring structure, leadership, and commercial awareness to a growing import department. The ideal candidate will have:

Strong background in import operations within freight forwarding (sea freight essential).

Experience managing a team or running a department - Import Manager, Ops Manager, or Branch Manager.

Solid understanding of customs procedures, trade regulations, and Incoterms.

Confident communication skills and the ability to build strong customer and supplier relationships.

Proven ability to solve operational issues quickly while keeping costs under control.

Experience using freight systems, TMS / ERP platforms, and customs software.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to lead a well-established import function with autonomy.
• Work with a reputable forwarder with strong global networks.

Competitive salary up to £55k.

A role where your decisions genuinely shape the department's performance and future growth.

WR Logistics are the #1 recruitment partner for all vacancies in the logistics industry. We recruit in the UK & USA for permanent jobs.

WR is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy