Import & Export Manager
Staplehurst, Kent
Vacancy listed 07/01/2026
Application deadline 28/02/2026
Details
About Us:
Magnetic Shields Limited is the global leader in the design and manufacture of magnetic shielding products and shielded rooms across a variety of sectors and industries. Our continued growth and ongoing investment mean we now have a brand-new factory unit which will double our production capacity and throughput. This period of expansion is a very exciting time for the Company and we are keen to speak to applicants interested in joining our production team in an experienced Import & Export Manager.

About the Role:
The Import & Export Manager is responsible for overseeing all UK and international shipping, customs compliance and despatch operations for Magnetic Shields Ltd. The role ensures that goods are shipped efficiently, accurately documented, and compliant with UK and global regulations. 

Working as part of a small, close-knit team, the postholder will manage all aspects of import/export logistics while supporting internal departments such as Sales and Production.

A strong eye for detail, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential qualities for success.

Key Responsibilities: 

Import & Export Compliance and Documentation
  • Manage all day-to-day import and export transactions, ensuring full compliance with UK legislation, HMRC requirements, international trade rules and Incoterms.
  • Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all shipments, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, import/export declarations and export control licences.
  • Ensure that export licencing requirements are identified well in advance; prepare and submit licence applications and maintain records in line with statutory requirements.
  • Conduct routine audits of documentation and procedures to ensure internal compliance and readiness for external inspection or customs review.
  • Keep up to date with UK and International regulatory changes and ensure internal procedures are updated accordingly.

Customs Management
  • Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders and other intermediaries to ensure smooth and timely customs clearance for all inbound and outbound shipments.
  • Provide accurate product classification (HS codes), customs valuations and origin information to ensure correct declarations.
  • Resolve customs queries or holds quickly to minimise delays and associated costs.
  • Monitor and review customs paperwork to prevent errors, discrepancies or non-compliance penalties.
  • Maintain knowledge of duty relief schemes, special procedures and customs simplifications where relevant to the business.
 
Logistics Planning & Coordination
  • Plan, book and manage global shipments across multiple transport modes, including air, sea, road and courier services, selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective method.
  • Build strong relationships with carriers, logistics providers and freight agents to ensure preferential service levels and competitive pricing.
  • Track shipments proactively, address transit issues and ensure customers are kept informed regarding delivery timelines.
  • Analyse logistics bottlenecks and work with internal teams to streamline processes and improve despatch efficiency.

Despatch & Warehouse Coordination
  • Oversee packing and despatch activities, ensuring goods are prepared to the correct specification, protected adequately and dispatched in accordance with customer requirements.
  • Coordinate with Production to schedule packing windows, ensuring workflow alignment and on-time shipment of customer orders.
  • Maintain accuracy across despatch documentation, labelling and packaging operations, including ensuring correct weights and dimensions are communicated to carriers.
  • Identify opportunities to improve packaging materials, methods or processes to enhance product protection and reduce costs.

Financial Monitoring & Reporting
  • Prepare quarterly shipping cost, margin and freight-spend reports with analysis of variances, trends and savings opportunities.
  • Track and manage freight costs, fuel surcharges, duty liabilities and customs-related expenses.
  • Work with Finance to ensure accurate invoicing for freight charges, export services and recoverable costs.
  • Recommend cost-reduction initiatives, consolidation opportunities, or alternative shipping approaches to improve margins.

Internal Collaboration & Stakeholder Support
  • Work closely with Sales to understand export requirements and coordinate quotations, lead times and licence considerations.
  • Support Customer Service teams with logistics information, tracking updates and customer-specific documentation needs.
  • Provide Production with forward visibility of despatch schedules and import arrival timings to support planning and material availability.
  • Act as the central point of expertise for all logistics queries, offering guidance and solutions as required.

Team Leadership & Development
  • Line-manage two team members within the import and export function, including task delegation, coaching and performance management.
  • Ensure staff are trained in customs compliance, documentation standards and despatch procedures.
  • Foster a supportive team environment that encourages problem-solving, efficiency and continuous improvement.
  • Maintain high standards of accuracy, safety and professionalism within the department.

Continuous Improvement & Process Development
  • Drive improvements in import/export processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance.
  • Identify opportunities to automate documentation, reduce manual entry, or simplify workflows.
  • Review logistics and compliance systems regularly and recommend updates to meet modern standards or business growth.
  • Support Lean or ISO9001 initiatives by documenting procedures, contributing to audits and maintaining process controls.

Essential Skills:
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to work to multiple deadlines.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation handling.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for liaising with suppliers, customers and internal teams.
  • Strong IT proficiency, including MS Word, Excel and experience with MRP/ERP systems.
  • Effective problem-solving abilities and a team-oriented approach.

Desirable Skills:
  • 2–5 years’ experience in import/export operations, including documentation control and customs compliance (post-Brexit experience required).
  • Solid understanding of worldwide customs procedures and import/export regulations.
  • Experience within a manufacturing, logistics, production, quality or sales environment handling global shipments.
  • Experience working with freight forwarders, customs agents and international carriers.
  • Line management or supervisory experience.
  • Knowledge of engineering, fabrication, sheet metal or metallurgy.
  • Experience working within a Lean or ISO9001-certified business environment.

We acknowledge that the most valuable aspect of business is the people, and we are looking to recruit the next generation of our workforce! 

We will invest everything we have in your success, is it time for you to join our team and start your journey? Please refer to our website (www.magneticshields.co.uk) for more information.
Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Benenden health cover
• Competitive holiday entitlement
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Comprehensive company sick pay
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Exclusive discounts portal
• Double death-in-service cover
• On-site Mental Health First Aiders
• Training & development pathways
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

This vacancy has now been closed