Import & Export Team Leader

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Import Export Team Leader to join a specialist freight forwarding and secure logistics operation based near London Heathrow. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced freight professional who combines strong operational knowledge with genuine people management and leadership skills. Working within a specialist environment handling high-value and sensitive cargo, including precious metals, jewellery and other valuable commodities, you'll help lead the day-to-day Import and Export operation while remaining actively involved in the operation yourself.

The business is particularly interested in finding someone who can motivate and develop the team, create accountability, organise workloads and lead from the front. You'll be expected to build strong relationships with your colleagues, understand what motivates different individuals and help create a positive, high-performing operational environment. This isn't a role for someone who wants to manage entirely from behind a desk. When the operation gets busy, you'll be expected to get involved, support the team and help ensure freight continues moving safely, compliantly and on time.

Key Responsibilities of an Import Export Team Leader

• Help lead the day-to-day running of the Import and Export operation
• Motivate, support and develop members of the operational team
• Create a positive working environment with clear expectations and accountability
• Allocate workloads and ensure priorities and operational deadlines are achieved
• Provide day-to-day coaching, guidance and support to team members
• Remain hands-on operationally, supporting Import and Export shipments when required
• Manage freight movements from start to finish across both Import and Export operations
• Support colleagues with customs entries, documentation and more complex operational queries
• Ensure the secure and compliant movement of high-value and sensitive cargo
• Monitor live shipments and proactively resolve potential delays or service issues
• Liaise with customers, airlines, overseas agents, hauliers and handling agents
• Ensure customs declarations and supporting documentation are accurate and compliant
• Support ETSF and DEP operations and associated compliance requirements
• Manage customer and operational escalations professionally and efficiently
• Train and mentor less experienced members of the team
• Review working practices and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service
• Work closely with senior management on operational performance and team development
• Provide additional operational support during particularly busy periods, holidays and absence

Skills Experience Required - Import Export Team Leader

• Strong experience within Air Freight Import and/or Export operations
• Good working knowledge across both Import and Export processes
• Previous experience managing shipments from start to finish
• Strong knowledge of customs procedures and HMRC requirements
• Confident completing and reviewing customs entries
• Strong people skills with the ability to motivate, support and lead a team
• Previous Team Leader, Supervisor or management experience would be highly advantageous
• Experienced Senior Operators who can demonstrate natural leadership ability will also be considered
• Comfortable remaining hands-on and getting involved in the operation when required
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to manage different personalities
• Ability to organise workloads and maintain standards within a busy operation
• Calm and decisive approach to operational problems
• Experience within high-value, secure or specialist freight would be advantageous but isn't essential
• ETSF and/or DEP knowledge would be beneficial
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail
• 5-year checkable employment history
• Ability to successfully complete the required security and background screening

Salary Benefits - Import Export Team Leader

• Salary between £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Working hours of 08:30 - 17:30
• Feltham / London Heathrow location
• Hands-on leadership responsibility across Imports and Exports
• Exposure to specialist high-value and secure international freight
• Opportunity to progress further within operational management
• Permanent, full-time position

Why Apply?

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys leading people just as much as they enjoy freight forwarding. You'll join a specialist operation where attention to detail, trust and service are particularly important due to the nature and value of the cargo being handled. The business isn't simply looking for its most technically experienced operator. They want someone who can bring people together, motivate the team, raise standards and lead by example, whilst still being willing and capable of getting involved operationally when needed. This role would suit an experienced Import Export Team Leader, Air Freight Supervisor, Freight Operations Supervisor, Import Supervisor, Export Supervisor, Senior Air Freight Operator or Freight Operations Team Leader looking for greater responsibility. All relevant candidates will be contacted within 48 hours.