Import Manager

AIT Worldwide Logistics; Colnbrook; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension plan

Life assurance

26 days annual leave

Eyecare vouchers

Cycle to Work

Car allowance

Job summary

AIT Worldwide Logistics in Colnbrook seeks an Import Manager to lead the import team, ensure timely shipments, and maintain HMRC/AEO compliance. You will optimise operations, manage the local P&L, and drive customer satisfaction through strong relationships with carriers and authorities.

You’ll enjoy a competitive package including private healthcare, pension, life assurance, 26 days’ leave, and staff benefits as part of our global logistics group.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in import, customs, or freight forwarding
• 3–5 years in people management leading operational teams
• Budget management and P&L accountability
• Knowledge of air/ocean freight, customs brokerage, and multimodal transport

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the Import team with accountability
• Ensure compliant processing of import shipments and customs activities
• Act as escalation point for operational, customs, and customer service issues
• Manage department P&L, budgets, resources, and productivity
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvements

Skills

Fluent English

Job description

Move the world with us!

AIT is a global freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Chicago. Are you looking for an exciting and varied job? Then you are exactly right for us! Become part of the international supply chain and move the world with us! Does that sound interesting? Then make AIT Worldwide Logistics the next stop on your career ladder!

Overview

As Import Manager, you will ensure the smooth and efficient execution of import operations while leading the team and maintaining accountability for operational performance and the local P&L. You will drive best-in-class service, customer compliance, satisfaction, and profitability, ensuring all Customs activities are conducted in line with AEO Compliance standards. You will oversee customer relationships, pricing, bookings, shipment execution, and partner coordination, while leading customer MBRs and QBRs. In addition, you will be responsible for the implementation and onboarding of new accounts secured by the Commercial Team, support team development, manage escalations, and drive continuous improvement to maintain a high-performing culture at AIT Colnbrook.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage the Import team, ensuring high levels of performance, engagement, accountability, and succession planning
• Ensure the efficient, accurate, and compliant processing of all import shipments and customs activities in line with HMRC regulations, AEO standards, and company policies
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational, customs, compliance, and customer service issues, ensuring timely resolution
• Manage departmental P&L, budgets, resource utilization, and productivity to achieve operational and financial targets
• Monitor KPIs, service levels, and operational performance, analysing trends and implementing corrective actions where required
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, customs authorities, carriers, overseas partners, and key stakeholders
• Lead the implementation and onboarding of new customer accounts, supporting business development activities and customer review meetings
• Drive continuous improvement through process optimisation, risk management, SOP development, and cross‑functional collaboration to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of import, customs, or freight forwarding experience, including at least 3–5 years in a people management role leading operational teams
• Proven experience managing and developing teams within a fast‑paced freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or logistics environment
• Demonstrated experience with departmental budget management and Profit & Loss (P&L) accountability, driving operational efficiency and financial performance
• Strong understanding of international freight forwarding processes, including air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, and multimodal transportation.
• Fluent communication skills in English (verbal and written)

What AIT Can Offer You

We believe in rewarding your talent and supporting your growth. In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, you’ll enjoy:

• Private healthcare through BUPA (medical and dental) after a qualifying period
• Access to an Auto Enrolment Pension Plan with 4% employee and 4% employer contributions
• Life Assurance equal to 2x your annual salary for peace of mind
• 26 days of annual leave to relax and recharge
• Childcare vouchers to support your family needs
• Eyecare vouchers for your vision health
• Cycle to Work scheme to promote sustainable commuting
• Car allowance or company car for certain roles

About AIT Worldwide

AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago‑based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high‑tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user‑friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customizes door‑to‑door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full‑service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.