Global Import Lead - Freight & Compliance

Matchtech; Havant; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an Import Manager to lead imports, exports, and customs compliance for a fast‑moving consumer goods importer‑distributor. You will own international freight operations and broker relationships.

Focus areas include customs compliance, cost control, and process improvement, with support from an Import & Export Coordinator handling administrative tasks. The role emphasizes independent decision making and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Experience in Import, Customs, International Trade, Freight Forwarding, or Logistics roles.
• Strong knowledge of UK customs requirements, CDS, and Incoterms 2020.
• Experience managing freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Understanding of customs declarations, classification, valuation, and origin requirements.
• Experience negotiating freight rates and controlling logistics costs.
• Able to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and supplier relationship-building skills.
• A customs or international trade qualification would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the company's import freight operation, ensuring goods move efficiently and compliantly.
• Lead relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers.
• Negotiate freight rates and monitor freight costs.
• Oversee customs compliance, including classification, declarations, origin, and documentation.
• Resolve shipment delays, customs issues, and supply chain escalations.
• Monitor forwarder and broker performance against service and cost objectives.
• Maintain accurate shipping and customs data.
• Drive continuous improvement across import and freight processes.

Skills

Import operations

Freight forwarding

Customs compliance

UK CDS & Incoterms 2020

Stakeholder management

Cost control

Job description

Matchtech is seeking an Import Manager to lead imports, exports, and customs compliance for a fast‑moving consumer goods importer‑distributor. You will own international freight operations and broker relationships.

Focus areas include customs compliance, cost control, and process improvement, with support from an Import & Export Coordinator handling administrative tasks. The role emphasizes independent decision making and strong stakeholder management.