Import Manager (m/f/d) - UK

Voyfai; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading freight forwarding company in the UK is looking for an Import Manager to oversee import operations, manage a team, and ensure compliance with customs regulations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in UK imports, strong customs knowledge, and the ability to lead in a fast-paced environment. This role offers a supportive workplace, flexibility for remote working, and a comprehensive benefits package including pension and healthcare.

Benefits

Company Pension & Private Healthcare

Remote Working

Generous Holiday Allowance

Positive & Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in UK imports operations within a freight forwarding environment.
• Strong knowledge of customs clearance and import documentation.
• Experience leading a team at Import Manager or Import Supervisor level.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of import operators to ensure high standards.
• Oversee day-to-day multimodal import operations.
• Ensure compliance with UK customs regulations.

Skills

Experience in UK imports operations

Knowledge of customs clearance and import documentation

Experience leading an operational team

Understanding of multimodal freight forwarding

Ability to perform under pressure

Experience with freight and customs systems

Tools

BoxTop

ASM Sequoia

Job description

Join the Voyfai Group

In this role, you will join one of the established UK freight forwarding companies, operating at the center of a busy, multimodal import environment with strong air, sea, and road freight activity.

The company operates with strong in-house customs capability, handling imports through major UK airports and seaports, and working closely with a trusted network of carriers, hauliers, and global agents to deliver reliable, end-to-end logistics solutions.

Your Role:

As Import Manager, you will lead a team of import operators and remain closely involved in day-to-day import operations across sea, air and road freight, with a strong focus on ocean imports.

This is a hands-on operational leadership role, suited to an experienced import professional who is comfortable taking ownership, leading from the front, and delivering consistently high service levels in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of import operators, ensuring high standards of accuracy, compliance, and customer service.

• Oversee day-to-day multimodal import operations across sea, air, and road freight as well as dedicated customs clearances.

• Remain hands-on with operations, supporting complex or time-critical shipments as required.

• Ensure full compliance with UK customs regulations, and maintain up to date knowledge of CDS, HMRC requirements, and relevant industry standards.

• Act as the main escalation point for operational issues, customs queries, and customer matters.

• Review job files, costs, and invoices to ensure accuracy, cost control, and profitability.

• Monitor workflows and operational performance, driving practical improvements where needed.

• Work closely with sales and customer-facing teams to support service delivery, customer retention, and account growth.

What You Bring:

• Proven experience in UK imports operations within a freight forwarding environment.

• Strong knowledge of customs clearance and import documentation, including CDS.

• Experience leading a small operational team or operating at Import Manager / Import Supervisor level.

• Solid understanding of multimodal freight forwarding, incoterms, and commercial cost control.

• Comfortable performing under pressure and taking ownership in time-critical situations.

• Experience using freight and customs systems; BoxTop and ASM Sequoia experience is highly beneficial.

• A resilient, hands-on leader who leads by example and stays close to the operation.

• Commercially aware, customer-focused, and solutions-driven, with pride in delivering shipments successfully.

What We Offer:

• Company Pension & Private Healthcare: Comprehensive support for your financial and personal well-being.

• Remote Working: Flexibility to work from home while maintaining autonomy in your role.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 22 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.

• Positive & Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside great colleagues in a dynamic, driven, and collaborative setting.