Air Import Operator

Right Now Group are recruiting for an experienced Air Import Operator to join a busy international freight forwarding operation based in the Heathrow area.

This is a hands-on operational position, taking responsibility for Air Import shipments from arrival through to final delivery. Unlike a predominantly customer service-based role, you'll be heavily involved in the physical movement and coordination of freight, working closely with airlines, handling agents, transport providers, warehouse teams, and internal departments.

A key part of the position will be coordinating the collection of import freight from airlines and handling sheds around Heathrow, before arranging the onward distribution and final delivery of shipments throughout the UK.

We're looking for someone who understands how a busy Air Import operation works and can confidently coordinate multiple shipments, collections, deliveries, and customs requirements whilst keeping freight moving efficiently.

• Manage Air Import shipments from arrival through to final delivery
• Monitor flight arrivals and ensure import shipments are actioned promptly
• Arrange collections of freight from airlines and handling agents around Heathrow
• Coordinate transport requirements and plan the onward movement of import freight
• Arrange UK distribution and final-mile deliveries to customers
• Liaise closely with drivers, hauliers, transport providers, warehouse teams, and airline handling sheds
• Monitor collections and deliveries to ensure agreed deadlines are achieved
• Ensure freight is customs cleared and available prior to collection or delivery
• Work closely with customs teams to resolve clearance issues and prevent unnecessary delays
• Process and maintain accurate import documentation and shipment records
• Monitor ETSF movements and ensure freight is handled in accordance with relevant procedures
• Coordinate bonded freight movements where required
• Provide clear operational instructions to transport and warehouse teams
• Resolve airline collection, transport, customs, and delivery issues as they arise
• Manage multiple live shipments and prioritise time-critical freight
• Ensure all operational activities comply with company procedures and relevant HMRC / Border Force requirements

• Previous experience within Air Freight Imports
• Good understanding of Air Import operations from arrival through to final delivery
• Experience arranging airline collections and UK deliveries would be highly advantageous
• Strong understanding of the Heathrow cargo environment, including airline handling sheds and import collections
• Knowledge of import customs processes and procedures
• Understanding of ETSF and bonded freight movements would be advantageous
• Experience coordinating hauliers, drivers, and transport providers
• Strong geographical knowledge of UK transport and distribution would be beneficial
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple live shipments
• Strong attention to detail and operational accuracy
• Proactive approach to resolving transport and shipment issues
• Confident communicating with airlines, handling agents, warehouses, hauliers, and internal teams
• Comfortable working within a busy, time-sensitive freight forwarding environment
• Experience using freight forwarding systems such as ASM or FCL would be advantageous
• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook

• Salary between £30,000 - £36,000 depending on experience
• Monday to Friday working pattern
• Working hours of 09:00 - 17:30
• Heathrow / Hayes location
• Hands-on Air Import operations position
• Exposure to both Air Freight and UK Transport / Distribution
• Opportunity to join an established international freight forwarding operation
• Long-term career development opportunities
• Supportive and experienced operational team

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Air Import professional who enjoys the operational and transport side of freight forwarding.

You'll take responsibility for getting freight off the airline, through the import process, collected from the handling shed and distributed to its final destination. It's a varied position where you'll be coordinating airlines, transport providers, warehouses, customs teams, and deliveries rather than spending the majority of your day purely managing customer accounts.

This role would suit an experienced Air Import Operator, Air Import Clerk, Import Coordinator, Airfreight Operator, Import Transport Coordinator, Freight Operations Coordinator, or Import Freight Forwarder.

Suitable candidates will be contacted within 24 hours.