Imports Coordinator in Poole

Diversity matters. We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It’s what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future. We see you, we celebrate you, we want you!

Who we are: You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there’s more to this great-smelling, partly employee-owned, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good. The Living Wage Foundation’s statement 'a hard day's work deserves a fair day's pay' is one that we are proud to commit to in the UK. As an accredited Living Wage employer, we put our people first and fight cruel practices like animal testing, promote regeneration, and show that it is what’s inside that counts - whether that’s an ingredient in a product, or the minerals in a smartphone.

This is a phenomenal opportunity for a meticulous professional to get into the world of international logistics, learn new skills, and join a highly reputable, dynamic team that consistently delivers 5* service throughout the Lush business. We are moving away from traditional clerical frameworks to build a highly technical, compliance-focused trade operations team. You will come to know exactly where we import our ethically sourced raw materials from around the globe, as we aim to deliver them safely and in good time for production. This can be fast-paced as the wheels never stop turning, so the ability to prioritise your workload, be solution-focused, and work under pressure is necessary. No two days are the same, and your tasks will change depending on the ever-changing needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Master the master import log.
• Chase global suppliers, check basic documentation, and book freight.
• Manage a high volume of daily emails efficiently, alongside daily data housekeeping.
• Provide the right information to Freight Forwarders (FFWs) to confidently attain quotes and vessel schedules.
• Keep supplier portfolios up to date, handling day-to-day data hygiene.

The Progression Gate: To ensure you don't feel overwhelmed, you will not handle clearances immediately. As you build confidence and master the data, you will progress your salary by learning to issue precise customs clearance instructions, check entry declarations, and record entry errors.

• Level 1 (Core Operations | Starting at £28,250):
• Take autonomous file ownership of shipments from end to end.
• Excel in high-volume email workflows and all day-to-day core operations.
• Support the wider team by shadowing and mentoring new recruits during their onboarding.
• Progress your salary further by learning to step up to apply for specialized CITES permits, building absolute confidence across all complex customs documentation.

• Level 2 (Senior Specialist | Scale up to £30,750 Framework):
• Step up to manage technical transit insurance claims and escalations.
• Support wider operations by keeping supplier profiles current and providing critical operational cover during holiday and sickness leave.
• Support Import Leads with monthly VAT queries alongside our accounts department and independently manage monthly deferment data.
• Support management by directly training and upskilling the wider operations team.
• Audit freight forwarder invoices and handle discrepancy queries.
• Author Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) updates to be signed off by management.

About You (our ideal candidate)

• An Uncompromising Eye for Detail: A keen eye with excellent attention to detail is essential to guarantee regulatory compliance.
• Process Discipline: Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of maintaining live spreadsheets and managing your own workload with a great work ethic.
• Proactive Communication: Good written and spoken English with a great telephone manner. You are prepared to go the extra mile and have the confidence to be gently persistent when required to get the job done.
• Tech-Literate: Good computer skills with a strong working knowledge of Excel. Knowledge of ERP systems is desirable but not essential as full training is given.
• Resilient & Adaptable: A supportive, flexible, and proactive approach with a positive, can-do attitude. You can handle change and uncertainty with ease and resilience.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• 6 months of full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver must qualify for SMP)*
• Enhanced paternity leave*
• Bonus scheme
• Day off for weekday birthdays
• Holiday purchase scheme
• 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted rail and bus season tickets
• Employee assistance programme
• Wellbeing & mindfulness sessions
• Access to employee-led Community Networks, including Disability and Chronic Illness, Family Support, Global Majority (Race and Ethnicity), LGBTQIA+, Menopause and Neurodiversity communities.

We actively welcome conversations about what working flexibly could mean and look like for you. We’re 10% Employee Owned - all colleagues play a role in protecting our ethics, our independence, contributing ideas for the future and share in the rewards of success when the company is doing well.