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 Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne has long been an important location in Britain. During Roman times, a fort called Pons Aelius was erected and served as the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall, while the Duke of Normandy built a castle here in 1080.
In the Middle Ages, Newcastle was a fortress on the northern border during the wars against Scotland. By the 16th century, the area had become known for its coal production. The city enjoyed a monopoly on shipping the fuel and thus created a rivalry with other nearby towns like Tyneside and Sunderland.
Printing, glassworks and shipbuilding were a big part of the city's economy as the Industrial Revolution took hold. Then, 19th century innovations such as safety lamps, improved milling techniques, electricity generation and light bulbs paved the way for the city's prosperity.
Of course, you can't forget one of Newcastle's most beloved products: Newcastle Brown Ale. Also known as Newkie Broon, this drink first went into production in 1928 and has been a favourite beverage ever since. Production, however, has been moved to North Yorkshire.
Today, the Tyneside conurbation is among the 10 most populous in the UK, making it a good choice for those seeking new Import Coordinator vacancies.
Heavy industry has declined over the last 50 years, to be replaced mainly with retail and the service sector. Just some of the many companies that are headquartered or have regional offices in the city include Greggs the baker, the Go-Ahead Group, Northern Rock, Proctor & Gamble UK and Sage, an enterprise software company.
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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?
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