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 Luton
Situated in Bedfordshire, around 30 miles north of London, Luton is a thriving community that is home to a number of big businesses. It is also located in the London commuter belt, meaning those who live here have a wide choice of options when it comes to finding Import Manager vacancies.
Since the 17th century, Luton has been known for its hat making industry, and this is a tradition that continues today, although it is now a more niche market.
Vauxhall Motors has been based in Luton since 1905 and its headquarters are still located here. Although the firm's passenger car production has been moved to Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, some commercial vehicles - mainly vans - are still produced at the IBC Vehicles plant.
Other companies based in Luton, or which have major facilities in the city, include AstraZeneca pharmaceuticals, Ernst & Young, Experian, Siemens AG and Whitbread, a hospitality chain.
Luton is also home to one of the main airports that services the London area. It sees around ten million passengers every year and is one of the UK's busiest airports. EasyJet, Ryanair, Thomson Airways and Monarch Airlines are all based here and the airport also processes cargo for Atlantic Airways, BA, DHL, MNG and Varig Logistica.
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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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