Import Shipping Administrator

Job Advert: Import Shipping Administrator - Gravesend

Our Client: Leading UK Freight Forwarding Company

Location: Gravesend, Kent

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits

Our client, a well-established UK Freight Forwarding company with over 40 years of industry experience, is currently seeking an experienced Import Shipping Administrator to join their busy team in Gravesend. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a respected company offering worldwide logistics solutions.

The Role:

As Import Shipping Administrator, you will be responsible for managing the import process from start to finish, ensuring the smooth and efficient transportation of goods from international suppliers to UK clients. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in deep sea and road freight import operations and a strong understanding of customs procedures and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handle end-to-end import operations, primarily from the USA, Far East, and India
• Submit customs clearance entries using CNS, Destin8, and other systems
• Negotiate rates and communicate effectively with shipping lines and haulage providers
• Raise import invoices, including Duty and VAT
• Arrange timely deliveries and manage all documentation
• Keep clients updated on shipments, ETAs, and any changes
• Ensure accuracy in data entry, invoicing, and job costing
• Provide high-quality customer service to clients, vendors, and overseas agents
• Maintain compliance with incoterms, trade regulations, and internal policies
• Proficient use of MS Office and import systems such as Descartes-CDS

The Ideal Candidate:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in ocean and road freight import operations
• Strong knowledge of customs processes, import documentation, and shipping terms
• Confident with systems such as CNS, Destin8, Descartes-CDS
• Highly organised with excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• A proactive team player with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks

What's On Offer:

• Competitive salary package
• 20 days annual leave (increasing to 25) + bank holidays
• Company contributory pension scheme
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth and progression

If you are a driven and knowledgeable Import Shipping Administrator looking for your next challenge in a stable and growing company, we want to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a brief cover note highlighting your relevant experience.

Contact us today.

If you would like to know more about this Import Shipping Administrator opportunity, or you know of anyone that fits the bill, please forward this advert to them, send us their details or get in contact with us and we will do the rest. You can recommend as many people as you like via our website and earn a referral fee per candidate we place*. This is an unlimited offer.

As recruiters specialising in freight and shipping, Red Recruit have vacancies at all levels within the industry, so please do get in touch to tell us what you're looking for and we'll do our best to assist.

* T&C's apply. Please contact the office for more information.

Please note: - We do not advertise all of our vacancies as some are highly confidential. Therefore, please either submit your CV to us directly or call us in complete confidence.

We have also setup a contacts list for candidates to join to be made aware of all relevant jobs to them. If this sounds of interest, then please get in contact with us via our website and send us your CV so that we can make sure you receive relevant updates on our latest vacancies.