Sea Freight Import Team Leader

About the role

Right Now Group is seeking an experienced Sea Freight Import Team Leader to manage the day‑to‑day import operations of a growing freight forwarding business in Feltham. The role combines hands‑on shipment management with leadership of a small team of import operators, ensuring high standards of service and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily sea freight import activities and monitor team workloads.
• Mentor and support Import Operators, maintaining operational standards.
• Manage a portfolio of shipments from booking through final delivery.
• Act as escalation point for complex shipments, delays and customer queries.
• Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, hauliers, warehouses, customs authorities and internal departments.
• Ensure accurate customs clearance, import documentation and invoicing.
• Identify and implement process improvements to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Sea Freight Import Operator or Senior Import Operator.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a small operational team.
• Strong understanding of HMRC customs regulations and import procedures.
• Excellent communication skills with customers, agents and internal stakeholders.
• Track record of meeting KPIs and delivering shipments on time.

Required skills

• Knowledge of HMRC customs regulations and import documentation.
• Familiarity with full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) processes.
• Ability to use freight forwarding systems for shipment tracking and invoicing.