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 Norwich
A city with a long and varied history, Norwich is the county town of Norfolk and from the 11th century until the Industrial Revolution, it was the second largest city in England after London.
During this period, Norwich was a market town known for its wool and textiles; it also traded pottery. There was a large cattle market during the 1700s and brewing became big business, peaking at the beginning of the 19th century. A number of microbreweries and artisan beer makers are still based in the region.
One of Norwich's best-known products is Colman's mustard, which has been made in the city since 1804 when Jeremiah Colman bought a flour mill in the area. He began producing mustard in 1814 and the company is still thriving in Norwich today - although it's now operated by Unilever and the range of products has expanded to include a variety of sauces and condiments.
Those seeking Import Coordinator roles in Norwich will have a number of employment opportunities to consider. Aviva, an insurance company formerly known as Norwich Union, is a major employer, while Archant - a national publishing - company distributes a number of daily and weekly newspapers, as well as a variety of magazines.
In addition, Norwich is home to a massive research park that includes the facilities of more than 30 businesses based in biotechnology, food, nutrition, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, information science, computing and low-carbon energy.
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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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