Import Manager

Matchtech; Fareham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking an Import Manager for a market-leading FMCG importer-distributor in the UK. You will lead all importing, exporting, customs compliance and international logistics with a strong operational focus and cost control.

The role centers on managing freight forwarders and brokers, ensuring compliant declarations, and driving continuous improvement. You will be supported by an Import & Export Coordinator for routine tasks. Experience with UK CDS and Incoterms 2020 is preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in Import/Export, Customs, International Trade or Logistics.
• Strong knowledge of UK customs requirements, CDS and Incoterms 2020.
• Experience managing freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's import freight operation to ensure efficient, compliant movement of goods.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, customs brokers and logistics providers.
• Negotiate freight rates and monitor costs.
• Oversee customs compliance, including classifications, declarations and documentation.
• Resolve shipment delays and supply chain escalations.
• Monitor 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

International logistics

Shipping documentation

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Independent decision-making

Education

Customs or International Trade qualification

Tools

CDS knowledge

Incoterms 2020

Job description

Market-leading FMCG, importer-distributor business requires an Import Manager to lead all importing, exporting, customs compliance activities. Applicants should have hands-on experience in imports, freight forwarding, customs compliance and international logistics, ideally within a product-based, distribution, retail, eCommerce, manufacturing or freight forwarder environment.

The Import Manager will take ownership of international freight operations, customs compliance, forwarder and broker management, freight cost control, and shipment escalations. The role is heavily import-focused (circa 95%), with export activity expected to increase over time. The Import Manager will focus on operational management, compliance, continuous improvement, and freight performance, being supported by an Import & Export Coordinator who will support with administrative tasks.

Specific duties of the Import Manager include:

• 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.

Import Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

• 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.
• A customs or international trade qualification would be advantageous, but is not essential