Import Operator

White Recruitment; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

White Recruitment in Altrincham is seeking an Air/Sea Import Operator to manage end-to-end import shipments from booking to delivery, coordinating with overseas agents, carriers and customers.

The role includes preparing customs clearances using CDS, handling FCL/LCL imports, and ensuring UK HMRC compliance while maintaining accurate shipment records and high service levels.

Qualifications

• Experience in Air Freight Imports, Ocean Freight Imports, or multimodal freight forwarding.
• Knowledge of FCL and LCL import operations.
• Experience arranging customs clearances using CDS.
• Understanding UK import procedures and HMRC compliance.

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.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Tools

CargoWise

MultiFreight

Sequoia

Job description

Import Operator (478805) Altrincham, England

Salary: GBP29000 - GBP33000 per annum

Job title: Air/Sea Import Operator

Location: Altrincham, WA14

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.
• Experience using CargoWise, MultiFreight, Sequoia or similar freight forwarding software would be advantageous.