Sea Logistics Operational Care Manager – Import

Join our team!

Your Role

As Head of Import Operations, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality, efficient import services through strong operational leadership. You will champion a “right first time” approach, driving operational excellence while optimising production costs. Leading the day-to-day activities of our Import Operational Care Centre (OCC), you’ll ensure colleagues are equipped with the right tools, training, and support to succeed. You will have a direct line management responsibility for 4 OCC Front Line Managers.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of up to 35 logistics professionals across Birmingham, Dartford, and Liverpool.
• Drive operational excellence by ensuring high-quality shipment and process management using advanced logistics systems and tools.
• Own and optimise all import operational processes, including escalations, customer requirements, and productivity KPIs.
• Be a senior escalation point for any issues and a role model for our behaviours.
• Foster collaboration with Customer Care, Systems & Processes, and Sales teams to deliver seamless, customer-centric logistics solutions.
• Champion continuous improvement by refining workflows, enforcing SOPs/WIs, and supporting lean, cost-efficient operations.
• Ensure team readiness through effective training, resource allocation, and performance management.
• Make impactful decisions on daily operations, cost control, and service quality, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Support multimodal logistics and value-add initiatives through close cooperation with Air, Road, and other business unit stakeholders.

Your Skills and Experiences

• Proven leadership experience managing diverse teams in freight forwarding.
• Experience in managing teams across multiple locations.
• Detailed knowledge of import customs requirements is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, with a talent for prioritising and meeting deadlines.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Adaptable and resilient, with a proactive attitude toward change and new technologies.
• Team-oriented leader with empathy, coaching skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Willingness to travel across the UK; a full driver’s license is required.

Good Reasons to Join

If you would like to become a valued member of our team, we will make sure that you’re rewarded for your commitment and expertise. You can join the contributory Kuehne+Nagel pension plan and enjoy our Route 2 Rewards scheme, which offers everything from discounts, benefit information, recognition, and its own wellbeing centre. We care for our colleagues (and their immediate family) with our employee assistance programme providing access to 24/7 GP, legal and financial advice, along with mental health counselling. All of this to help you live a happier and healthier life. As proud holders of the Gold Covenant, we are a forces-friendly employer who recognises the skills, expertise, and value service leavers bring to our organisation.