Import Operator – Full Time – Altrincham

Catering; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering in Altrincham is seeking an Air/Sea Import Operator to manage a portfolio of import shipments from booking through final delivery across the UK. You will coordinate air, FCL and LCL imports, liaise with overseas agents and ensure customs clearance and accurate documentation.

The role requires experience in air/ocean imports or multimodal forwarding, familiarity with CDS, HMRC rules, and strong organisational and communication skills. Salary £30,000-£35,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Experience in Air Freight Imports or Ocean Freight Imports or multimodal forwarding.
• Good knowledge of FCL/LCL import operations.
• Experience arranging customs clearances using CDS.
• Understanding UK import procedures and HMRC compliance.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with CargoWise, MultiFreight or Sequoia is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Handle end-to-end Air and Ocean import shipments from booking to delivery.
• Coordinate FCL, LCL and air freight import consignments.
• Liaise with overseas agents on shipment status and documentation.
• Prepare customs clearance entries and CDS compliance.
• Ensure import documentation is accurate and compliant with UK regulations.
• Monitor shipments and provide proactive updates to customers.
• Resolve issues to minimise delays and manage supplier invoices and billing.
• Maintain shipment records in the forwarding system.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

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.

Salary: £29000-£33000/annum

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Altrincham, Greater Manchester