The Company
Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.

We are looking for an Import Team Leader to be based at our Rainham office (RM13 8EU).

The position holder will provide clear operational direction to the ocean freight forwarding team that delivers consistent ‘right first time’ service execution and accounting. The successful candidate will ensure customers have an excellent experience of Yusen through consistent achievement of service level targets. As an Import Team Leader, you will develop existing client relationships, and support delivery of new business opportunities that enhance gross margin and enable branch to achieve profit targets.

The position will offer a salary of up to £36,500 (DOE) with the opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days per week (subject to business requirements).

What we offer:

• Hybrid working options
• 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee benefits i.e. Discount schemes including E-vouchers and gift cards, gym membership as well as a recognition platform
• Critical Illness Cover
• Tailored development and career opportunities
• Company sick pay*
• Employee Wellness initiatives – WeCare - includes 24/7 online GP, mental health support service, get fit programme and more

Key responsibilities:

1. Operational
• Plan business activity and delegate workloads across the operations teams through effective team and individual engagement.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and Service Level Agreements are in place, and complied with, for all business handled by the branch.
• Review and develop existing process standards and KPI’s to improve operational efficiency.
• Act as escalation point for the customer and network, ensuring any issues are raised with the Import Manager
• Conduct Company disciplinary and grievance procedure as appropriate, demonstrating a fair and consistent approach.
• Provide timely and accurate reports to Management as required.

2. Team
• Engage and motivate the Freight Forwarding team through coaching, performance management and appraisal techniques.
• Provide weekly briefings to the operations team to ensure awareness of operational performance and future planning
• Coordinate holiday planning, ensuring absence is managed within company guidelines.
• Provide operational cover for the team in their absence.
• Promote a positive and supportive working environment equally for all members of the team.

3. Commercial/Financial
• Ensure all department administrative and accounting functions are completed within agreed timescales and deadlines, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and practice.
• Ensure successful implementation of all new network and BDM business
• Attend client visits as required.
• Ensuring all relevant customer and supplier rate cards are filed with validity periods monitored and controlled
• Ensuring the team manage to accrue all costs and revenues across the Yusen operational and finance systems on time, every week.
• Responsible for ensuring on time resolution of all supplier costs queries and the avoidance of any sanctions or stoppages being placed on Yusen
• Responsible for ensuring all sales invoices are generated weekly and passed to the customer with 100% accuracy
• Supporting the delivery and implementation of all projects and initiatives in relation to improved procedures and systemic controls pertaining to all matters of cost and revenue management


Key requirements:
- Ocean freight experience
- Experience of leading high performing teams
- Excellent Customer Service skills
- Proactive and flexible approach
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- Ability to prioritise and work under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Yusen Logistics is an equal opportunities employer, who encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible applicants regardless of their personal circumstances. We make our recruiting decisions solely based on the skillset and experience. Diversity allows us to create an inclusive environment, where our employees can strive and grow their potential.