Head of Section, Imports and Logistics

Location: Leatherhead, ENG, GB

Department: Tilbury Operations

Employment Type: Permanent

At Hyundai, you’ll be working within a fast-paced, challenging environment, where you’ll be encouraged to push boundaries and challenge convention. As a global automotive manufacturer, and one of the fastest growing, you’ll have the opportunity to work within an international business environment, and grow with the Company. We believe that the future of our organisation lies in the passion and capabilities of individual members, and commit to supporting and developing them to their full potential. If you believe you have the experience and skills for this role, and share our passion for rethinking what’s possible, and exceeding customer expectations, we warmly invite you to apply.

About the role

This role is based in Tilbury, Essex. As the Head of Section, Imports & Logistics, you will manage the Hyundai Import Centre, ensuring a highly efficient logistics operation that drives revenue, minimises costs, and maximises retailer and customer satisfaction. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our logistics strategy, aligning with HMUK’s long-term vision and industry developments to keep our operations ahead of the curve.

• Oversee Import Centre Operations: Ensure all operational and production activities meet HMUK’s business requirements in terms of volume, lead times, and quality, while maintaining efficient workflows.
• Lead Contract & Supplier Management: Negotiate and manage all key contracts and tenders with suppliers to the Import Centre, securing the best value for HMUK and adapting to upcoming business needs.
• Translate Strategy into Action: Understand HMUK’s business and operational strategy and convert it into practical supply chain and operational developments, communicating clearly with internal stakeholders to secure commitment.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Identify and resolve process, policy, and organisational issues within the Import Centre, developing and implementing procedures to improve service levels, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Ensure Vehicle Quality & Readiness: Oversee all activities related to the preparation of vehicles, including PDI and subcontracted work, ensuring vehicles meet required standards before despatch to dealers and customers.
• Coordinate with Internal Stakeholders: Work closely with Sales, Fleet, Press, and Marketing departments to align Import Centre output with factory production, shipping schedules, and sales demand.
• Manage Resources & Infrastructure: Maintain optimal staffing levels and skillsets, liaise with HMUK, HME, and Port of Tilbury to secure land and services, and ensure security, compound capacity, and vehicle movement meet business demands.
• Control Budgets & Operational Costs: Monitor and manage operational expenditure within agreed budgets, produce financial forecasts, and drive cost efficiency across all Import Centre functions.
• Oversee Compliance & Training: Ensure timely processing of warranty, damage, and shortage claims, manage special warranty and quality campaigns, and lead the EV Technician apprenticeship programme to support future capability.

Accountabilities

• Effective and efficient operation of the Hyundai Import Centre. (Measured against production rate plans and £/car targets).
• Dealer vehicle preparations. (Measured by set quality standards and timescales).
• Financial management of the Hyundai Import Centre, management of cost-centres within agreed budgets (actual versus plan).
• Courteous and efficient interaction of the Hyundai Import Centre with the remainder of HMUK and all customers and suppliers. (Measured by Customer Satisfaction surveys)
• Effective leadership. (Measured by Hyundai Management Standards and Employee Satisfaction Survey results).
• Continuing development of the performance of the HMUK supply chain through improvement of operational process and procedures (measured against industry and HMC Knowledge and observation in the industry.)
• Successful maintenance and development of business relationships with key suppliers. (measured by contract costs and supplier feedback.)
• Successful implementation of new and/or improved HMUK operational processes and procedures (measured against agreed projects time scales and costs.)
• Achieving the required outcome in the EV Apprenticeship Program. (measured against pipeline feed and retention rates)

About you:

• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing commercially focused strategies within automotive distribution or logistics.
• Proven expertise in supplier management and contract negotiation, including managing tenders and securing value-driven agreements.
• A deep understanding of the automotive sector, particularly distributor operations and import processes.
• Strong knowledge of HM Customs & Excise legislation relevant to vehicle importing and compliance.
• Ability to set, monitor, and manage financial budgets with a focus on cost control and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal business systems, with the ability to generate reports, analyse data, and drive decision-making.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining high standards of vehicle quality, customer service, and operational KPIs.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with hands-on experience in resource and workflow management.
• Knowledge of retail preparation standards and PDI processes, ensuring vehicles meet strict quality and delivery expectations.

We Offer

• Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
• Company Car
• Hybrid Working (3 days office/2 days home)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 25 Days Holidays plus Bank holidays with option to buy/sell
• Group Income Protection & Life Assurance
• Pension 6% Matched
• Free Parking
• Access to Hyundai Sponsored events

Become part of a Global Company with a history of success and ambitious plans for the future. Please apply by creating your Candidate Profile and attaching your application documents in English.