Import Manager – Lead Import Operations

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Import Manager to lead a busy import department at our Heathrow operation. You will own day‑to‑day import activities, ensure customs compliance and deliver exceptional customer service.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Import Operations team.
• Manage daily import operations across air freight, customs and multimodal movements.
• Achieve departmental KPIs, service levels and productivity targets.
• Act as senior escalation point for operational, customs and customer service issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, airlines, overseas agents and HMRC.
• Oversee budgets, costs and overall financial performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recruit, develop and retain a high‑performing operations team.

Required profile

• 7‑10 years’ experience in freight forwarding, customs or import operations.
• Minimum 5 years managing operational teams in a freight forwarding environment.
• Strong knowledge of air freight imports, customs brokerage and multimodal freight movements.
• Solid understanding of HMRC regulations and customs compliance.
• Proven track record of managing KPIs, SLAs and operational performance.
• Commercial awareness with experience in budget management and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, coaching and stakeholder management abilities.

Required skills

• Air Freight Imports
• Customs Brokerage
• Multimodal Freight Movements
• HMRC Regulations
• KPI Management
• Budget Management
• Cost Control

What we offer

• Basic salary up to £65,000 per year
• Car allowance
• Monday to Friday, 09:00‑17:30
• 26 days annual leave