Import Specialist

Responsibilities:

Manage End-to-End Freight Operations:

• Oversee the entire transportation process for Air and Sea Freight shipments, ensuring smooth delivery from origin to destination.

Negotiate Rates and Contracts:

• Secure competitive rates and favourable contracts with carriers and service providers, ensuring they meet customer expectations for cost and service.

Handle Shipment Documentation:

• Ensure all necessary shipment documents, such as bills of lading, customs declarations, and transport contracts, are prepared accurately and on time, following relevant regulations.

Track Shipments and Provide Client Updates:

• Monitor the progress of shipments, keep clients informed of their status, and promptly resolve any delays or issues that arise.

Coordinate Customs Clearance:

• Work closely with customs brokers to ensure that all import/export regulations and documentation requirements are met for timely customs clearance.

Maintain Client Relationships:

• Build strong relationships with clients, addressing inquiries, offering solutions, and ensuring overall satisfaction with the services provided.

Identify Process Improvements:

• Seek opportunities to enhance processes, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency within the Air and Sea Freight departments.

Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Air or Ocean Imports.

Shipment Knowledge:

• Thorough understanding of the entire import process, from origin to destination, including customs procedures and documentation.

Strong Communication Skills:

• Confident in both verbal and written communication, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.

Incoterms Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Incoterms as they relate to import operations.

Customer-Focused and Deadline-Driven:

• Ability to collaborate with customers to deliver excellent service while consistently meeting deadlines.

Benefits:

Salary: £30,000 to £38,000, based on experience.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a hybrid working arrangement (3 days in the office, 2 days working from home).

Additional Perks:

• Annual salary review and bonus.
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension plan.
• This position combines operational expertise in freight management with strong customer service and communication skills. It offers competitive pay and a supportive benefits package.