Import Manager – Multi Modal

White Recruitment Construction; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading freight-forwarding company in Farnborough is seeking a Senior Import Manager to oversee import operations across air, sea, and road. You will lead a skilled team, manage client relationships, and ensure compliance with customs regulations. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in international shipping and team management. The position offers a competitive salary package up to £55,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of customs rules and multi-modal transport.
• Experience in leading teams and vendor negotiations.
• Familiarity with freight ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end import processes.
• Ensure compliance with customs regulations.
• Act as a primary point of contact for key import clients.
• Negotiate rates with shipping lines and airlines.
• Approve freight invoices and track profitability.
• Supervise import coordinators and train the team.

Skills

International shipping knowledge

Leadership experience

Vendor negotiation expertise

Familiarity with TMS and customs software

Operational efficiency improvement

Job description

Job Title: Senior Import Manager – Multi-Modal

Location: Farnborough

Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum

Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Multi Modal Import Manager to join our growing freight‑forwarding team. This is a leadership role with responsibility for managing all aspects of import operations across multiple modes, including air, sea, and road. The ideal candidate will combine operational expertise, customer service excellence, compliance knowledge, and strong team management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Manage end‑to‑end import processes including booking, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, and final delivery. Coordinate with global offices, overseas agents, carriers, and port authorities to ensure smooth operations.
• Customs & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with customs regulations, trade laws, and government requirements. Oversee accurate documentation (BL, COO, invoices, packing lists, HS codes) and resolve customs queries or inspections.
• Customer Relationship Management: Act as the primary point of contact for key import clients, providing updates, resolving issues, and advising on trade regulations, routing, and cost‑effective solutions.
• Supplier & Carrier Management: Negotiate rates with shipping lines, airlines, and trucking companies. Select optimal carriers and routes, monitor vendor performance, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Financial & Documentation Control: Approve freight invoices, verify charges, track profitability, and ensure accurate customer billing and statutory paperwork.
• Team Leadership & Training: Supervise import coordinators, documentation staff, and customs brokers. Train the team in procedures, compliance, and systems, while allocating tasks and monitoring performance.

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong knowledge of international shipping, customs rules, Incoterms, and multi‑modal transport.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Vendor negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Familiarity with TMS, customs software, and freight ERP systems.
• Experience driving operational efficiency and process improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a key part of our global logistics operations. You’ll lead a skilled team, influence operational strategies, and play a central role in delivering exceptional service to our clients. Salary is up to £55,000 per annum, reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role.