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- Tasks: Lead MSC UK's Import Trade function and enhance customer experience through strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join a global leader in shipping with a dynamic and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, company car, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international trade while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in logistics leadership and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for extensive travel and career growth in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As the Head of Imports, you will play a pivotal role in leading and driving MSC UK’s Import Trade function and help improve customer experience. A key part of this role will be to contribute and lead the UK Agency strategy including TEU growth, revenue, optimisation of vessels and intermodal. Working closely with the Geneva liner department is key to align strategies and best in class products and services for the UK Agency. This role will be in the Head Office in Ipswich and requires extensive domestic and international travel.
How you will help us and what you can expect:
- Develop and implement import strategies to achieve MSC UK’s objectives and financial targets.
- Manage stakeholder relationships by building strong partnerships and working closely with the UK Board to align strategic priorities, influence key decisions, and ensure the successful delivery of business objectives.
- Exhibit effective leadership by providing strategic direction, driving high-performance standards, and ensuring teams remain aligned with organisational objectives and governance requirements.
- Drive performance and revenue results across all import trades and pushing results in intermodal.
- Build strong relationships with MSC liners.
- Collaboration with all MSC agencies globally.
- Maintain strong relationships with domestic and international trade partners, including VIP accounts and developing relationships with key suppliers and commercial port relationships.
- Lead and manage the import team, driving engagement, productivity, and people initiatives.
- Set and manage budgets in alignment with senior stakeholders and MSC Liners.
- Establish and enforce policies and procedures for trade compliance.
- Monitor adherence to international trade laws, customs regulations, and company policies.
- Provide training and support to team members on compliance and operational best practices.
- Optimize logistics and shipping strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs whilst maximising the asset.
- Represent MSC UK internationally by attending MSC Geneva agency meetings and overseas visits to strengthen collaboration and brand presence.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Trade, Sales, Customer Service, Operations, HR, IT, and Finance teams to deliver integrated business solutions.
- Facilitate senior management meetings to review KPIs and align actions with company strategy.
- Represent the function in monthly senior executive forums and lead cross-departmental projects.
- Conduct market analysis to inform strategy and maintain awareness of industry trends and competitor activity.
- Perform risk assessments and develop contingency plans for trade disruptions.
- Advance MSC’s market-leading position by promoting and evolving its value proposition.
Skills and experience you’ll bring to us:
- Proven experience in senior logistics and commercial leadership roles.
- Expertise in global import regulations, compliance, and international trade laws.
- Strategic planning and delivery of customer service evolution.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills across all levels.
- End-to-end import operations management, including documentation and Incoterms.
- Supplier and vendor relationship management with effective negotiation skills.
- Ability to thrive under pressure and prioritise tasks effectively.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and global stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Visionary approach with strong analytical and data-driven decision-making.
- Commercial awareness and cost optimization within import functions.
- Leadership and team development in fast-paced environments.
- Risk management and problem-solving in complex supply chains.
- Excellent presentation and influencing skills.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary.
- Private Health & Dental (Family Cover).
- Company Car (with Fuel).
- Generous pension scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- 25 days rising to 27 + a day to take on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
- Free parking.
- On-site artisan restaurant.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Flu vaccines and eye care vouchers.
- Buy or sell holiday scheme.
- Christmas club saving.
- MSC Cruises friends and family discount.
- Full induction day and training provided.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Dress for the day policy/modern office environment.
Head of Imports in Suffolk employer: MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
Contact Detail:
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Imports in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at MSC UK. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or industry peers, share your insights on import strategies and compliance. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching MSC UK’s recent projects and challenges in the import sector. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in helping us grow!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MSC family. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Imports in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Imports role. Highlight your experience in logistics and commercial leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your expertise in global import regulations and compliance. We want to see how you can contribute to our objectives!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your strategic planning skills and how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Let us know how you can help drive performance and revenue results.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader, we want to see examples of how you've driven high-performance standards in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you've led teams to success and how you’ve fostered collaboration across departments. This will help us understand your leadership style!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team at MSC UK!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
✨Know Your Imports Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on global import regulations and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in international trade laws, as well as MSC UK's specific strategies. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you drove performance or improved customer service. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and how you’ve built strong partnerships in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Come equipped with ideas on how to develop and implement effective import strategies. Think about how you can align these with MSC UK's objectives. Showing that you can think strategically and have a vision for the future will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various departments and global stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share specific examples of how you’ve worked with different teams to achieve shared goals, and highlight your communication skills.
