At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate international shipments and ensure smooth customs compliance.
- Company: Established UK food manufacturer with a focus on quality and growth.
- Benefits: Opportunity to become an expert in international trade and customs.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and shape the future of global operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in import/export and strong understanding of customs procedures.
Do you have strong import and customs experience and enjoy being the person people rely on for getting shipments moving? Passionate about international trade, customs compliance, and ensuring products flow seamlessly across borders? Looking for a role where you'll become the go-to expert, work autonomously, and play a key role in supporting a growing manufacturing business?
We're looking for an Import & Export Coordinator to join a successful and growing UK food manufacturing business, taking ownership of all import and export administration while ensuring materials move efficiently through customs and into production. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong import and customs knowledge who's looking to step into a standalone specialist role where they can genuinely make an impact. If you enjoy solving problems, thrive on accuracy, and like taking ownership rather than simply following processes, this could be the perfect next step.
The Company
Our client is a well established UK manufacturer supplying high-quality products to customers across the UK and beyond. As the business continues to grow and expand internationally, they're investing in their supply chain capability, creating an exciting opportunity for an Import & Export Coordinator to become the company's subject matter expert for all international shipments. Working within a collaborative and supportive environment, you'll play a critical role in ensuring raw materials arrive on time, manufacturing plans stay on track, and the business remains fully compliant with ever-changing international trade legislation.
The Role
You'll take ownership of all import and export coordination across the business, becoming the central point of contact for international shipments and customs compliance. Imports form the majority of the role, with responsibility for coordinating approximately 25-30 international shipments each month, ensuring customs documentation is accurate, shipments clear efficiently, and production is never impacted by avoidable delays. This is far more than an administration position. You'll become the internal expert for customs processes, international trade compliance and import legislation, working closely with suppliers, customs brokers and internal stakeholders to ensure goods move seamlessly from origin through to delivery. Success in the role comes from being proactive, naturally curious and taking ownership. You'll investigate issues before they become problems, continually build your knowledge of changing legislation, and become the person the business turns to for import and export expertise. As the business continues to expand into international markets, you'll also play an important role in developing export capability and supporting future global growth, giving you the opportunity to shape and evolve the function over time.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the end-to-end coordination of approximately 25-30 import shipments each month.
- Reviewing purchase orders and tracking incoming international deliveries.
- Validating supplier documentation to ensure customs compliance.
- Managing commodity codes, CPC codes, customs documentation, VAT and duty deferment requirements.
- Liaising with customs brokers to facilitate efficient customs clearance.
- Maintaining accurate shipment trackers and electronic documentation records.
- Preparing export documentation including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists and Private Attestations.
- Working closely with Finance, Customer Services and Procurement to ensure products move efficiently through the supply chain.
- Monitoring changes in customs legislation and implementing new compliance processes where required.
- Taking ownership of import and export activities while continuously identifying opportunities to improve processes and minimise delays.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience within Import, Export, Customs or International Logistics.
- Strong understanding of UK customs procedures and import documentation.
- Experience working with Commodity Codes, CPC Codes, VAT and Duty Deferment.
- Experience liaising with Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders.
- Excellent attention to detail and a highly organised approach.
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of a specialist function.
- Naturally curious with a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Strong communication skills and confidence working with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Previous experience within FMCG, Food Manufacturing or Manufacturing would be advantageous, although not essential.
Interested? Click "Apply" or get in touch for a confidential conversation to learn more about the opportunity.
Import & Export Coordinator employer: The Advocate Group
Join a well-established UK food manufacturing business that values expertise and autonomy in the role of Import & Export Coordinator. With a collaborative work culture and a commitment to employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to become the go-to expert in international trade while playing a vital role in the company's expansion. Enjoy a supportive environment where your problem-solving skills and proactive approach will be recognised and rewarded, making a meaningful impact on the supply chain.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Import & Export Coordinator
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like The Advocate Group and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at The Advocate Group!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like The Advocate Group keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Import & Export Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to The Advocate Group:This is your chance to really connect with the team at The Advocate Group. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with The Advocate Group.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show The Advocate Group that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at The Advocate Group. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
