Head of Section, Imports and Logistics

This role is based in Tilbury, Essex (Please check commute before applying). 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.

We Want You

• 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.
• People Management skills.

We Offer

• Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
• Company Car
• Hybrid Working (3 days office/2 days home)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Office Lunch Allowance
• 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.