Import & Export Coordinator

Looking for a role where you'll become the go-to expert, work autonomously, and play a key role in supporting a growing manufacturing business?

We're looking for an Import & Export Coordinator to join a successful and growing UK food manufacturing business, taking ownership of all import and export administration while ensuring materials move efficiently through customs and into production.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong import and customs knowledge who's looking to step into a standalone specialist role where they can genuinely make an impact.

If you enjoy solving problems, thrive on accuracy, and like taking ownership rather than simply following processes, this could be the perfect next step.

The Company

Our client is a well established UK manufacturer supplying high-quality products to customers across the UK and beyond.

As the business continues to grow and expand internationally, they're investing in their supply chain capability, creating an exciting opportunity for an Import & Export Coordinator to become the company's subject matter expert for all international shipments.

Working within a collaborative and supportive environment, you'll play a critical role in ensuring raw materials arrive on time, manufacturing plans stay on track, and the business remains fully compliant with ever-changing international trade legislation.

You'll take ownership of all import and export coordination across the business, becoming the central point of contact for international shipments and customs compliance.

Imports form the majority of the role, with responsibility for coordinating approximately 25-30 international shipments each month, ensuring customs documentation is accurate, shipments clear efficiently, and production is never impacted by avoidable delays.

This is far more than an administration position.

You'll become the internal expert for customs processes, international trade compliance and import legislation, working closely with suppliers, customs brokers and internal stakeholders to ensure goods move seamlessly from origin through to delivery.

Success in the role comes from being proactive, naturally curious and taking ownership. You'll investigate issues before they become problems, continually build your knowledge of changing legislation, and become the person the business turns to for import and export expertise.

As the business continues to expand into international markets, you'll also play an important role in developing export capability and supporting future global growth, giving you the opportunity to shape and evolve the function over time.

Key Responsibilties

• Managing the end-to-end coordination of approximately 25-30 import shipments each month.
• Reviewing purchase orders and tracking incoming international deliveries.
• Validating supplier documentation to ensure customs compliance.
• Managing commodity codes, CPC codes, customs documentation, VAT and duty deferment requirements.
• Liaising with customs brokers to facilitate efficient customs clearance.
• Maintaining accurate shipment trackers and electronic documentation records.
• Preparing export documentation including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists and Private Attestations.
• Working closely with Finance, Customer Services and Procurement to ensure products move efficiently through the supply chain.
• Monitoring changes in customs legislation and implementing new compliance processes where required.
• Taking ownership of import and export activities while continuously identifying opportunities to improve processes and minimise delays.

• Previous experience within Import, Export, Customs or International Logistics.
• Strong understanding of UK customs procedures and import documentation.
• Experience working with Commodity Codes, CPC Codes, VAT and Duty Deferment.
• Experience liaising with Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders.
• Excellent attention to detail and a highly organised approach.
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of a specialist function.
• Naturally curious with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Previous experience within FMCG, Food Manufacturing or Manufacturing would be advantageous, although not essential.

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer products sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

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