Import Manager

Willis Global; Witham; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Healthcare

Life Insurance

Employee Discount Platform

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Annual Bonus up to 10%

Job summary

Willis Global is seeking an Import Manager based near Witham, Essex, to lead its sea freight operations and drive compliance across the UK. The role reports to senior management and offers scope to grow within a fast‑moving, international logistics business.

You will manage daily Import Team activities, ensure on‑time shipments, and oversee P&L, invoicing and credit control, while maintaining strong cross‑functional relationships and a customer‑focused service.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing and overseeing sea import operations.
• Experience in a customs warehouse/import/export environment.
• Strong leadership and collaboration across departments.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Import team.
• Ensure on-time shipment of products, track progress and optimize schedules to maximise productivity and control costs.
• Manage profit and loss, invoicing and credit control for the Import team, with monthly reporting to Senior Management & Finance.
• Ensure team adherence to procedures and deadlines; drive compliance and quality.
• Handle complaints and escalate for swift resolution.
• Build strong relationships with other departments and the Group.

Skills

Sea import operations

Team management

International trade

Customer service focus

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our client, a leading independent global provider of controlled storage and 4PL services, offering warehousing, global freight forwarding, haulage and logistics, technical services and specialist resources, are looking for an Import Manager to join their team based at offices local to Witham, Essex.

On offer

• Be part of a dynamic, fast-growing international business
• Work within a collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions make a real impact
• Salary: Up to £45,000, dependent on skills and experience
• Bonus: Up to 10% annual bonus
• Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Private Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Employee Discount Platform
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes

Main Purpose of the Role

Reporting to senior management, the Import Manager will play a key role in developing and expanding the company's sea freight forwarding function across the UK, driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Import Manager

• Manage the day-to-day activities of the Import team.
• 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 monthly 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.

To be Considered for the Import Manager

• Experience of managing and overseeing sea import operations
• 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.
• 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.