At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead import operations, manage a team, and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
- Company: AIT Worldwide Logistics, a global leader in freight forwarding and logistics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, pension plan, life assurance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in global supply chain management.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in import or freight forwarding, with strong leadership and budget management skills.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
Move the world with us! AIT is a global freight forwarding and logistics company headquartered in Chicago. Are you looking for an exciting and varied job? Then you are exactly right for us! Become part of the international supply chain and move the world with us!
As Import Manager, you will ensure the smooth and efficient execution of import operations while leading the team and maintaining accountability for operational performance and the local P&L. You will drive best-in-class service, customer compliance, satisfaction, and profitability, ensuring all Customs activities are conducted in line with AEO Compliance standards. You will oversee customer relationships, pricing, bookings, shipment execution, and partner coordination, while leading customer MBRs and QBRs. In addition, you will be responsible for the implementation and onboarding of new accounts secured by the Commercial Team, support team development, manage escalations, and drive continuous improvement to maintain a high-performing culture at AIT Colnbrook.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and manage the Import team, ensuring high levels of performance, engagement, accountability, and succession planning.
- Ensure the efficient, accurate, and compliant processing of all import shipments and customs activities in line with HMRC regulations, AEO standards, and company policies.
- Act as the primary escalation point for operational, customs, compliance, and customer service issues, ensuring timely resolution.
- Manage departmental P&L, budgets, resource utilization, and productivity to achieve operational and financial targets.
- Monitor KPIs, service levels, and operational performance, analysing trends and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, customs authorities, carriers, overseas partners, and key stakeholders.
- Lead the implementation and onboarding of new customer accounts, supporting business development activities and customer review meetings.
- Drive continuous improvement through process optimisation, risk management, SOP development, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
Qualifications
- Minimum 7–10 years of import, customs, or freight forwarding experience, including at least 3–5 years in a people management role leading operational teams.
- Proven experience managing and developing teams within a fast-paced freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or logistics environment.
- Demonstrated experience with departmental budget management and Profit & Loss (P&L) accountability, driving operational efficiency and financial performance.
- Strong understanding of international freight forwarding processes, including air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, and multimodal transportation.
- Fluent communication skills in English (verbal and written).
About AIT Worldwide
AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT’s flexible business model customises door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail—on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT’s full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.
What AIT Can Offer You
We believe in rewarding your talent and supporting your growth. In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, you’ll enjoy:
- Private healthcare through BUPA (medical and dental) after a qualifying period.
- Access to an Auto Enrolment Pension Plan with 4% employee and 4% employer contributions.
- Life Assurance equal to 2x your annual salary for peace of mind.
- 26 days of annual leave to relax and recharge.
- Childcare vouchers to support your family needs.
- Eyecare vouchers for your vision health.
- Cycle to Work scheme to promote sustainable commuting.
- Car allowance or company car for certain roles.
Import Manager in Colnbrook employer: AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
AIT Worldwide Logistics is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals in aerospace logistics. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills through various training opportunities while working on impactful global projects. Located at the heart of a dynamic industry, employees benefit from a diverse and inclusive environment that values their contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Contact Details:
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Import Manager in Colnbrook
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Import Manager in Colnbrook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.:This is your chance to really connect with the team at AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc..
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc. that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
