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The Import & Export Manager is responsible for overseeing all UK and international shipping, customs compliance and despatch operations for Magnetic Shields Ltd. The role ensures that goods are shipped efficiently, accurately documented, and compliant with UK and global regulations. Working as part of a small, close-knit team, the postholder will manage all aspects of import/export logistics while supporting internal departments such as Sales and Production.
Job Responsibility:
Manage all day-to-day import and export transactions, ensuring full compliance with UK legislation, HMRC requirements, international trade rules and Incoterms
Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all shipments, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, import/export declarations and export control licences
Ensure that export licencing requirements are identified well in advance
prepare and submit licence applications and maintain records in line with statutory requirements
Conduct routine audits of documentation and procedures to ensure internal compliance and readiness for external inspection or customs review
Keep up to date with UK and International regulatory changes and ensure internal procedures are updated accordingly
Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders and other intermediaries to ensure smooth and timely customs clearance for all inbound and outbound shipments
Provide accurate product classification (HS codes), customs valuations and origin information to ensure correct declarations
Resolve customs queries or holds quickly to minimise delays and associated costs
Monitor and review customs paperwork to prevent errors, discrepancies or non-compliance penalties
Maintain knowledge of duty relief schemes, special procedures and customs simplifications where relevant to the business
Plan, book and manage global shipments across multiple transport modes, including air, sea, road and courier services, selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective method
Build strong relationships with carriers, logistics providers and freight agents to ensure preferential service levels and competitive pricing
Track shipments proactively, address transit issues and ensure customers are kept informed regarding delivery timelines
Analyse logistics bottlenecks and work with internal teams to streamline processes and improve despatch efficiency
Oversee packing and despatch activities, ensuring goods are prepared to the correct specification, protected adequately and dispatched in accordance with customer requirements
Coordinate with Production to schedule packing windows, ensuring workflow alignment and on-time shipment of customer orders
Maintain accuracy across despatch documentation, labelling and packaging operations, including ensuring correct weights and dimensions are communicated to carriers
Identify opportunities to improve packaging materials, methods or processes to enhance product protection and reduce costs
Prepare quarterly shipping cost, margin and freight-spend reports with analysis of variances, trends and savings opportunities
Track and manage freight costs, fuel surcharges, duty liabilities and customs-related expenses
Work with Finance to ensure accurate invoicing for freight charges, export services and recoverable costs
Recommend cost-reduction initiatives, consolidation opportunities, or alternative shipping approaches to improve margins
Work closely with Sales to understand export requirements and coordinate quotations, lead times and licence considerations
Support Customer Service teams with logistics information, tracking updates and customer-specific documentation needs
Provide Production with forward visibility of despatch schedules and import arrival timings to support planning and material availability
Act as the central point of expertise for all logistics queries, offering guidance and solutions as required
Line-manage two team members within the import and export function, including task delegation, coaching and performance management
Ensure staff are trained in customs compliance, documentation standards and despatch procedures
Foster a supportive team environment that encourages problem-solving, efficiency and continuous improvement
Maintain high standards of accuracy, safety and professionalism within the department
Drive improvements in import/export processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance
Identify opportunities to automate documentation, reduce manual entry, or simplify workflows
Review logistics and compliance systems regularly and recommend updates to meet modern standards or business growth
Support Lean or ISO9001 initiatives by documenting procedures, contributing to audits and maintaining process controls
Requirements:
Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to work to multiple deadlines
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation handling
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for liaising with suppliers, customers and internal teams
Strong IT proficiency, including MS Word, Excel and experience with MRP/ERP systems
Effective problem-solving abilities and a team-oriented approach
Nice to have:
2–5 years’ experience in import/export operations, including documentation control and customs compliance (post-Brexit experience required)
Solid understanding of worldwide customs procedures and import/export regulations
Experience within a manufacturing, logistics, production, quality or sales environment handling global shipments
Experience working with freight forwarders, customs agents and international carriers
Line management or supervisory experience
Knowledge of engineering, fabrication, sheet metal or metallurgy
Experience working within a Lean or ISO9001-certified business environment