Import Manager

Commodity Centre Group; Great Braxted; Remote; GBP 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commodity Centre Group is seeking an experienced Import Manager to lead the Import department and mentor the Import Coordinator. You will ensure on-time shipments, manage invoicing and credit control, and drive adherence to HMRC, Border Force, and Defra requirements.

You will build strong cross-functional relationships within the Group and with external partners, focusing on efficiency, cost control, and high-quality customer service across international trade operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in customs warehouse/import/export environments.
• Management experience in an International Trade setting.
• Good knowledge of the commodities sector and operational practices.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Professional attitude and strong communication at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and deadline adherence.
• Proactive, decisive, and commercially minded.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day activities of the Import department and supervise the Import Coordinator.
• Ensure on-time shipment and track progress of shipments; optimise schedules to control costs.
• Oversee P&L, sales/purchase invoicing and credit control; report monthly to Senior Management & Finance.
• Ensure procedures are followed to meet business requirements; drive compliance and efficiency.
• Handle complaints and escalate for swift resolution.
• Build relationships with other departments and the Group.
• Support Defra-related processes, HMRC and Border Force compliance.

Skills

Import knowledge

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Organisational skills

Numeracy

Microsoft Office

Defra knowledge

AEO experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the Import department to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of Import operations, liaising with Group and UK hubs.

Establish long-term relationships with clients to deliver efficient and excellent customer service.

Provide leadership, mentor and manage an Import Coordinator implementing measures and standards on all aspects of the supply chain to ensure compliance with all governing bodies including HMRC and Border Force.

Scope of the job:

Manage the activities of the Import team, supervising the work of administrative the Import Coordinator.

Ensure on-time shipment of products, tracking progress while managing shipment schedules to maximise productivity and manage costs.

Manage profit & loss, sales and purchase invoicing and credit control for the Import team, reporting on a monthly basis to Senior Management & Finance.

Ensure team members are fully aware of all procedures to be followed to meet business requirements encouraging them to own and strictly adhere to them.

Take responsibility for handling complaints escalating them where necessary to ensure swift resolution.

Build and maintain relationships with all other departments within the Company and across the Group.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Experience of working in a customs warehouse/import/export environment.

Management experience within an International Trade environment, managing administrative staff to ensure that customer service is provided to a high standard and efficiency and quality standards are upheld.

Good working knowledge of the Commodities sector and relevant operational practices to create distinct advantage.

Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within the Company and externally to establish positive outcomes and leverage the capabilities of all staff.

Professional attitude, team player with the ability to communicate at all levels.

Good organisational skills, prioritising using a common-sense approach to problem solving.

Demonstrate the ability to proactively initiate action, be decisive and think commercially.

Meticulous attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Positive approach to flexibility in working hours.

Defra knowledge and AEO experience.

Competent in Microsoft Office, numerate, and possessing good verbal and written communication skills.

Appropriate Import experience and knowledge of Export procedures.

Good knowledge of warehousing, proven ability to direct and coordinate import/export operations, delivering results and meeting customer expectations.

Experience in utilising operational solutions to help improve service and efficiency, decreasing error rates.

Port health and Borderforce knowledge.

Certificate of Origin and Phytosanitary Certificate creation VIA HMRC and Chamber of Commerce.

Experience with HMRC audits.

Salary & Benefits

Competitive salary, depending on experience.