Global Trade & Export Operations Lead

Vanilla Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanilla Recruitment is seeking an experienced International Trade Manager to lead export, import and shipping operations. The role blends compliance with customer support, administration, logistics coordination and small-team leadership in a busy office.

You will manage daily trade functions, prepare documentation, coordinate customs, and liaise with customers and freight forwarders to ensure timely deliveries while supporting broader admin duties.

Qualifications

• Experience in international trade management or export/import roles.
• Solid knowledge of export documentation and customs procedures.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day export and import function with compliant workflows.
• Prepare and process export/import documentation and shipment records.
• Coordinate customs clearance activities and maintain accurate records.
• Liaise with customers, freight forwarders and internal teams for updates.
• Support and supervise a small administration team to maintain efficiency.
• Prepare products for shipment and ensure documentation is complete.
• Provide wider administrative support across sales, scheduling and office ops.

Skills

Export documentation

Customs procedures

CRM systems

Salesforce

Excel

Team supervision

Tools

Excel

CRM systems

Salesforce

Job description

Vanilla Recruitment is seeking an experienced International Trade Manager to lead export, import and shipping operations. The role blends compliance with customer support, administration, logistics coordination and small-team leadership in a busy office.

You will manage daily trade functions, prepare documentation, coordinate customs, and liaise with customers and freight forwarders to ensure timely deliveries while supporting broader admin duties.