Import Operator

White Recruitment Construction; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment Construction is seeking an Air/Sea Import Operator to manage end-to-end shipments, coordinating air and ocean imports from booking to delivery across the UK.

You will liaise with overseas agents, carriers and customers, preparing customs entries with CDS and ensuring UK compliance while maintaining accurate shipment records and providing proactive updates.

Qualifications

• Experience in Air Freight Imports, Ocean Freight Imports or multimodal freight forwarding.
• Knowledge of FCL and LCL import operations and CDS customs clearance.
• Understanding UK import procedures and HMRC compliance requirements.
• Strong organisational, communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end Air and Ocean import shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL and air freight import consignments.
• Liaise with overseas agents regarding shipment status and documentation.
• Prepare customs clearance entries using CDS and ensure accuracy.
• Ensure import files meet UK regulations and maintain shipment records.
• Proactively update customers and resolve delays or issues.
• Check supplier invoices and raise customer invoices accurately.
• Support operations colleagues during busy periods.

Skills

Air freight imports

Ocean freight imports

CDS customs clearance

UK import procedures

Multitask coordination

Customer service

Tools

CargoWise

MultiFreight

Sequoia

Job description

Job title: Air/Sea Import Operator

Location: Altrincham, WA14

Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE

Air/Sea Import Operator Overview

My client is recruiting for an Air/Sea Import Operator due to the expansion of their workload. The right candidate will be responsible for managing a portfolio of import shipments, ensuring the smooth movement of freight from overseas origins through customs clearance and final delivery across the UK. You will work closely with overseas agents, shipping lines, airlines, hauliers, customs authorities and customers to deliver a high level of operational excellence and customer service.

Air/Sea Import Operator Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end Air and Ocean import shipments from booking through to final delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL and air freight import consignments.
• Liaise with overseas agents regarding shipment status and documentation.
• Prepare and process customs clearance entries using CDS.
• Ensure all import documentation is accurate and compliant with UK customs regulations.
• Monitor shipment progress and proactively communicate updates to customers.
• Resolve operational issues and minimise delays where possible.
• Check supplier invoices and raise customer invoices accurately and promptly.
• Maintain accurate shipment records within the freight forwarding system.
• Build strong working relationships with customers, carriers and overseas partners.
• Ensure all files are completed in accordance with company procedures and compliance standards.
• Support colleagues across the operations team during busy periods.

Air/Sea Import Operator Requirements

• Previous experience working within Air Freight Imports, Ocean Freight Imports or a multimodal freight forwarding role.
• Good knowledge of FCL and LCL import operations.
• Experience arranging customs clearances using CDS.
• Understanding of UK import procedures and HMRC compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competent using Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using CargoWise, MultiFreight, Sequoia or similar freight forwarding software would be advantageous.

Tagged as: Air Freight, customs clearances, Freight Forwarding, imports, Logistics, sea freight