Heathrow Air Import Operator — Freight Operations

Right Now Group; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Right Now Group is recruiting an experienced Air Import Operator to join a busy international freight forwarding operation near Heathrow. The role covers shipments from arrival through final delivery, coordinating airlines, handling agents, transport providers and warehouse teams.

You will manage collections from airlines and handling sheds around Heathrow, ensuring timely UK distribution while meeting HMRC and customs requirements.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within Air Freight Imports.
• Good understanding of Air Import operations from arrival through to final delivery.
• Experience arranging airline collections and UK deliveries would be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of the Heathrow cargo environment, including airline handling sheds and import collections.
• Knowledge of import customs processes and procedures.
• Understanding of ETSF and bonded freight movements would be advantageous.
• Experience coordinating hauliers, drivers, and transport providers.
• Strong geographical knowledge of UK transport and distribution would be beneficial.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple live shipments.
• Strong attention to detail and operational accuracy.
• Proactive approach to resolving transport and shipment issues.
• Confident communicating with airlines, handling agents, warehouses, hauliers, and internal teams.
• Comfortable working within a busy, time-sensitive freight forwarding environment.
• Experience using freight forwarding systems such as ASM or FCL would be advantageous.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook

Responsibilities

• Manage Air Import shipments from arrival through to final delivery.
• Monitor flight arrivals and ensure import shipments are actioned promptly.
• Arrange collections of freight from airlines and handling agents around Heathrow.
• Coordinate transport requirements and plan the onward movement of import freight.
• Arrange UK distribution and final-mile deliveries to customers.
• Liaise closely with drivers, hauliers, transport providers, warehouse teams, and airline handling sheds.
• Monitor collections and deliveries to ensure agreed deadlines are achieved.
• Ensure freight is customs cleared and available prior to collection or delivery.
• Work closely with customs teams to resolve clearance issues and prevent unnecessary delays.
• Process and maintain accurate import documentation and shipment records.
• Monitor ETSF movements and ensure freight is handled in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Coordinate bonded freight movements where required.
• Provide clear operational instructions to transport and warehouse teams.
• Resolve airline collection, transport, customs, and delivery issues as they arise.
• Manage multiple live shipments and prioritise time-critical freight.
• Ensure all operational activities comply with company procedures and relevant HMRC / Border Force requirements

Skills

Air freight imports

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook

Tools

ASM

FCL

Job description

Right Now Group is recruiting an experienced Air Import Operator to join a busy international freight forwarding operation near Heathrow. The role covers shipments from arrival through final delivery, coordinating airlines, handling agents, transport providers and warehouse teams.

You will manage collections from airlines and handling sheds around Heathrow, ensuring timely UK distribution while meeting HMRC and customs requirements.