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- Tasks: Manage air and sea import operations, ensuring smooth customs clearance and excellent service.
- Company: Dynamic freight forwarding company near Manchester Airport with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Up to £37,000 salary, annual bonus, 25 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact in the fast-paced world of logistics.
- Qualifications: Experience in import operations and strong knowledge of UK customs regulations required.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a professional environment.
Location: South Manchester (near Manchester Airport)
Salary: Up to £37,000 per annum + bonus
Working Pattern: Office-based, no hybrid will allow flexible working hours
Holiday: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Ocean / Air Import Operator to join our growing operations team based near Manchester Airport. This role will be responsible for the end-to-end handling of air and sea import shipments, ensuring smooth customs clearance, accurate documentation, and excellent service delivery.
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, confident working independently, and comfortable managing multiple import shipments across different modes in a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end import operations for either air and sea freight shipments.
- Coordinate with overseas agents, carriers, and local suppliers to ensure timely movement of cargo.
- Monitor shipments from arrival through to final delivery.
- Arrange onward transport and liaise with hauliers where required.
Customs Clearance
- Prepare and submit customs declarations using CDS.
- Raise and manage T1s and other transit documentation as required.
- Ensure full compliance with UK customs regulations and procedures.
- Resolve customs queries, inspections, and clearance issues efficiently.
Systems & Documentation
- Accurately input and manage shipment data using CargoWise.
- Prepare, check, and process all import documentation including manifests, invoices, packing lists, and transport instructions.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure documentation compliance at all times.
Customer & Stakeholder Communication
- Act as a point of contact for customers, providing updates and managing expectations.
- Liaise with customs authorities, shipping lines, airlines, and handling agents.
- Resolve operational issues proactively to maintain service levels.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in air and/or sea import/export operations within freight forwarding.
- Strong working knowledge of UK customs clearance, CDS, and T1 documentation.
- Hands-on experience using CargoWise (preferred).
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
- Confident communicator with a proactive, problem-solving approach.
What’s on Offer
- Salary up to £37,000 per annum
- Annual bonus (subject to company performance)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexible working hours
- Office based near Manchester Airport with free parking
- Supportive, professional working environment with real career progression
Ocean / Air Import Operator employer: Tall Grass Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tall Grass Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Ocean / Air Import Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their operations and be ready to discuss how your experience as an Ocean/Air Import Operator aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a point of contact for customers, being able to convey information clearly and confidently is key. Role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Ocean / Air Import Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Ocean / Air Import Operator role. Highlight your experience in air and sea import operations, customs clearance, and any relevant software like CargoWise. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the job description. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: In this role, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work, as it reflects the care we expect in our operations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tall Grass Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of air and sea import operations. Familiarise yourself with customs clearance processes, especially CDS and T1 documentation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed import shipments or resolved customs issues. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Be Ready to Communicate
Since you'll be acting as a point of contact for customers and stakeholders, practice how you would handle various communication scenarios. Think about how you'd update clients on shipment statuses or resolve operational issues proactively.
✨Get Familiar with CargoWise
If you have experience using CargoWise, be ready to discuss it in detail. If not, take some time to learn the basics. Showing that you're willing to adapt and learn new systems can set you apart from other candidates.
