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Sea Freight Import Team Leader
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Right Now Group Recruitment for Sea Freight Import Team Leader
Right Now Group is recruiting for an experienced Sea Freight Import Team Leader on behalf of a well-established and growing freight forwarding business based in Feltham.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Sea Freight Import Operator or Senior Import Operator looking to take the next step in their career into a leadership position.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for overseeing the day-to-day sea freight import operation, supporting and mentoring the import team while managing their own portfolio of shipments. You will play a key role in ensuring all import consignments are handled efficiently, compliantly, and to the highest levels of customer service.
Working closely with customers, overseas agents, shipping lines, hauliers, customs authorities, and internal departments, you will help drive operational performance, resolve escalated issues, and ensure the smooth movement of sea freight from origin through to final delivery.
Key Responsibilities of a Sea Freight Import Team Leader
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sea Freight Import team.
- Support, mentor, and provide guidance to Import Operators to ensure high operational standards are maintained.
- Manage a portfolio of sea freight import shipments from booking through to final delivery.
- Monitor team workloads and ensure shipments are processed efficiently and within required deadlines.
- Act as an escalation point for operational issues, customer queries, delays, and complex shipments.
- Liaise with overseas agents, shipping lines, ports, hauliers, warehouses, customers, and customs authorities.
- Ensure customs clearance and import documentation are completed accurately and compliantly.
- Coordinate FCL and LCL import shipments and ensure all deliveries are arranged effectively.
- Monitor shipment progress and ensure customers receive clear and timely updates.
- Check supplier invoices and oversee accurate customer invoicing.
- Ensure shipment files and operational records are completed accurately within the freight forwarding system.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, efficiency, and customer service.
- Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and overseas partners.
- Ensure the team adheres to HMRC regulations, customs procedures, company policies, and operating standards.
- Assist with training and onboarding new members of the import team.
- Work closely with management to support departmental targets, KPIs, and overall business objectives.
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Skills & Experience Required for a Sea Freight Import Team Leader
- Previous experience within Sea Freight Imports for a freight forwarding company.
- Strong understanding of sea freight import procedures, documentation, and customs processes.
- Experience handling FCL and LCL import shipments.
- Previous experience mentoring, supporting, or supervising colleagues would be highly advantageous.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
- Confident dealing with operational escalations and resolving issues effectively.
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Good understanding of freight forwarding systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work independently while also providing leadership and support to a busy operations team.
- A positive, professional approach with the ability to motivate and develop team members.
- Experience within a fast-paced freight forwarding environment.
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Salary & Benefits for a Sea Freight Import Team Leader
- Salary up to £45,000, depending on experience.
- Monday to Friday working hours.
- Company pension scheme.
- Annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to progress within a growing freight forwarding business.
- Genuine opportunity to develop your leadership and management career within the logistics industry.
Why Apply for this Sea Freight Import Team Leader Position?
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Sea Freight Import Operator or Senior Import Operator who is ready to take the next step into a leadership role.
You'll play an important role within the import department, supporting the wider team while continuing to manage sea freight operations and customer requirements. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on operational performance, customer satisfaction, and the development of the import team.
The role would suit an experienced Sea Freight Import Team Leader, Senior Sea Freight Import Operator, Senior Import Coordinator, Ocean Import Team Leader, Ocean Import Operator, Import Supervisor, Freight Forwarding Team Leader, Shipping Team Leader, or Sea Freight Import Coordinator looking to progress their career with a well-established logistics business in the Feltham area.
Suitable candidates will be contacted within 24 hours.
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