Import Coordinator
Thousands of manufacturing businesses in the UK rely on a smooth and uninterrupted flow of imports to ensure productivity is maximised. The same applies to retailers and wholesale companies too. Warehousing can take up some of the slack, but in many cases, wherever imports are optimised and storage is minimised, efficiency is at its peak. Ensuring all this happens is the import coordinator (no pressure then).
The import coordinator will be in constant contact with suppliers all around the world, making sure stocks and production levels are adequate for the projected needs of their employer. And that’s just the start of the journey – import coordinator jobs tend to require oversight of the freight import process, and that means being on the ball with transportation, usually via third party carriers.
Many import coordinator jobs will also require a degree of understanding of the paperwork and customs requirements to bring goods into the country from the various jurisdictions they deal with, although the job is often purely logistical, with the legals being covered by other specialists.
The skills required
Import coordinator job descriptions often ask for accomplished jugglers – people who can have dozens of ongoing tasks at any moment and retain a firm grasp on all of them. While you’ll usually be helped in this with software and a team of import assistants, you’ll be expected to know exactly what is coming in and how they tally with your employer’s demands.
Language skills will often be required, particularly if the employer deals with a single country. But even if your native tongue is enough to excel, you’ll still need advanced communication skills to make sure your instructions are understood – your business relies on it.
Some employers are looking for specialists in road, rail, air or sea imports, as the logistics, speed, volumes and regulations are often specific to that mode of freight transportation. Always check the description carefully.
Import Coordinator Jobs in the East Midlands
Comprising counties like Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, the East Midlands is a wonderful choice for those seeking Import Coordinator vacancies.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, many scientific discoveries were made in the East Midlands. It was a pivotal place for the Industrial Revolution, being home to what many call the first modern factory - John Smedley's textile production facility at Lea Bridge, which was opened in 1794.
Some of the earliest military tanks were manufactured in Lincoln, while jet engines were also developed in the region - with the first jet aircraft flying from RAF Cranwell in 1941.
Meanwhile, Derby was home to a Rolls-Royce factory that produced Merlin aero-engines until 1950, as well as a railway works. The Corby Steelworks in Northamptonshire was one of the largest facilities of its type in the middle of the 20th century.
Today, manufacturing is still a major part of the economy of the East Midlands. A number of big-name firms operate in the region, including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Triumph Motorcycles, Toyota, Caterpillar and LaFarge Aggregates. There's also Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, which builds Formula One engines in Brixworth.
What's more, Bombardier Transportation in Derby produces new rolling stock for London Underground, and is the only remaining train manufacturer in the UK - it also builds Turbo Star and ElectroStar overground units.
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Jobs and candidates incoming at Cast UK
If you’re looking for the perfect import coordinator, we at Cast UK specialise in transport and logistics, and have fantastic talent pools with diverse skill sets in our networks & database with diverse skill sets. Why not give us a call on 0333 121 3345?
If you’re experienced in import coordination at managerial or executive level, we want to hear from you to help you make contact with businesses looking for your skills. Click the link below to register with us – your next career move could be closer than you think.
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