Global Import Operations Lead — Freight & Compliance

Matchtech; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an Import Manager to lead all importing, exporting, and customs compliance activities within a market-leading FMCG importer-distributor. The role focuses primarily on import operations (about 95%) while export activity is expected to grow over time.

You will own international freight operations, oversee customs compliance, and manage forwarders and brokers, driving cost control and continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Experience in Import, Export, 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.

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/Export

Freight Forwarding

Customs Compliance

International Trade

Logistics

Stakeholder Management

Education

Customs/International Trade qualification

Job description

Matchtech is seeking an Import Manager to lead all importing, exporting, and customs compliance activities within a market-leading FMCG importer-distributor. The role focuses primarily on import operations (about 95%) while export activity is expected to grow over time.

You will own international freight operations, oversee customs compliance, and manage forwarders and brokers, driving cost control and continuous improvement across the supply chain.