Import Manager – Customs & Logistics Lead

Top Talent Recruit; Witham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Talent Recruit is seeking an Import Manager for our freight forwarder client in the UK. You will lead the Import team, ensuring on‑time shipments, cost control, and adherence to procedures across the operation.

You will manage relationships with clients and internal departments, driving continuous process improvements and ensuring compliance with HMRC and Border Force. The role requires strong leadership and a proactive, commercially minded approach.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day 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.

Skills

Defra knowledge

AEO experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Top Talent Recruit is seeking an Import Manager for our freight forwarder client in the UK. You will lead the Import team, ensuring on‑time shipments, cost control, and adherence to procedures across the operation.

You will manage relationships with clients and internal departments, driving continuous process improvements and ensuring compliance with HMRC and Border Force. The role requires strong leadership and a proactive, commercially minded approach.