Import Manager jobs
Trading with foreign jurisdictions has been in existence as long as humanity, and it has always come with its rafts of laws and regulations to make sure all imports and exports are legal. In modern times, despite opening up borders and relaxing duties, importation is still a job that requires expert administrators with a deep knowledge of the law surrounding their sector.
From a business perspective, the import manager’s most important role is to ensure all imports land in their allotted places on time and in one piece. Since warehousing can be an expensive business, ensuring imports are timed perfectly to keep them moving and profits growing will be vital. The import manager will also be in charge of ensuring deliveries are correct as ordered and are not damaged, and remedial action will be required if anything is amiss.
The import manager may also have buying responsibilities, keeping an eye on prices, seeking out more efficient deals and negotiating rates with existing or new suppliers. But in every aspect of the job, the need to observe both UK and international law will be the overarching requirement, as failure to observe it could threaten the company’s future and profits.
The skills required
The role of the import manager will be divided between business critical, financial management and ensuring the correct paperwork is in order regarding import law. It is therefore a multi-stranded job, which will necessarily suit people able to switch between roles several times a day.
A thorough knowledge of import law, particularly law surrounding the specific goods and the jurisdictions being dealt with, will be essential, especially in smaller companies, where the import manager might not have a large team to assist with this element. However in larger companies some of the specific roles might be filled by specialists in particular goods or markets, so more general management skills will be valued.
An ability to keep track of complex logistical operations will be required, and as this will be largely computerised, so will a good grasp of modern IT systems.
Import Manager Jobs in Essex
Situated in the East of England, Essex is bordered by Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Kent. It's also a Home County and is considered part of the London commuter belt, making it a great location for those seeking Import Manager vacancies.
Largely an agricultural area, for most of Essex's past, it comprised farmland and market towns. Significant development occurred during the Victorian era when the railways arrived.
After the second world war, two new towns - Harlow and Basildon - were created. These were built mainly to provide housing for the growing London population.
These days, the region is still predominantly agricultural, although places like Harlow are known for scientific innovation, technology and pharmaceuticals. Marconi - the world's first wireless factory - had a factory in Chelmsford. Part of the facility is now used by BAE Systems.
Companies based in Essex include Britvic, e2V Technologies, M&G Group and ebm-papst UK. Ford's European headquarters is located in Brentwood, while banknotes are manufactured in Loughton.
Stansted Airport is located in Essex, and it is served by airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. It also processes cargo from a variety of companies including FedEx, British Airways World Cargo and UPS.
What's more, Lakeside Shopping Centre is one of Europe's largest retail areas. It's located a stone's throw from the north side of the River Thames and includes an indoor mall, as well as an IKEA, B&Q and outlets for Next and Marks & Spencer.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
Employers approach Cast UK to find candidates because they’re confident that we can fill their managerial and executive vacancies. We were founded by specialists in the logistics, supply chain and procurement trade, and our consultants are also drawn from these backgrounds, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for.
At any time, we have jobs and candidates in all areas of the UK, so we are perfectly placed to find you work wherever you are. Whether you’re moving house or simply looking for more job fulfilment or to advance your career, there’s more than likely an employer who’s looking for the skills you have.
Please get in touch if you’re looking for a job in logistics; there’s a good chance there will be a vacancy now or in the near future.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit an Import Manager for your business or find you a job as an Import Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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