Import / Export Logistics Coordinator – Blackburn

Position Overview

We are seeking an Import / Export Logistics Coordinator to join our dynamic international team. In this role, you will ensure that all import and export transactions, logistics, and documentation are prepared and managed accurately, on time, and in compliance with legislative requirements.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams including sales, marketing, customer service, warehouse, and production as well as external providers and third-party suppliers such as distribution partners, freight forwarders, and agents. Additionally, you will liaise with key agencies, including APHA, DEFRA, the Chamber of Commerce, and UK border authorities.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a truly global business, exporting to 45 countries across six continents and importing from 15 countries!

The role is vital in supporting the international trade of Pets Choice brands in overseas markets.

Full training, development, and mentoring offered to ensure your success in this role.

Location

Blackburn, Hybrid

Company Overview

Pets Choice is a leading pet food manufacturer whose industry knowledge spans over 135 years. Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, the Pets Choice portfolio of brands offers a variety of products for pets and wild animals under its brands; Webbox, TastyBone, Meatiful, Spike’s World, Goodwyns, Davies, Oceanic and Vitakraft. Each brand offers a unique insight into animals from dogs to ducks and produces high-quality products that cater to a wide variety of consumer needs. As a trusted partner, Pets Choice provide private label goods including extruded food, wet food and retorted trays, and baked fresh meat treats. The business also offers additional services such as packaging design, fulfilment and logistics. With a broad range of capabilities and distribution channels worldwide, Pets Choice are proud to be a major supplier to the UK grocery, independents and pet speciality sectors.

Role:

• Request and compare import freight quotes to assess optimum transport routings in respect of cost, transit time and efficiency against product urgency
• Manage freight logistics and documentation effectively to support seamless international trade operations
• Liaise with border agencies where required to clear goods through customs and resolve issues
• Ensure shipping information within the company ERP system is accurately maintained
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external providers, such as distribution partners, freight forwarders, and agents
• Liaise with regulatory agencies, including APHA, DEFRA, the Chamber of Commerce, and UK border authorities, to ensure compliance with trade regulations
• Support with ad hoc imports to support business projects and manufacturing teams
• Review and correct and erroneous customs clearances
• Support the global expansion and international trade of Pets Choice brands across diverse markets
• Process purchase orders into ERP system (Business Central) and see orders through the process with all departments
• Provide customer support to queries and information requests
• Produce commercial documents for exporting products internationally
• Use tools to plan and support customers with optimising order size and calculating container capacity
• Oversee collection bookings for customer orders
• Maintain live tracking databases to ensure information is up to date
• Ensure all customs entries are completed accurately and on time
• Proactively work to continually improve the role and develop efficiencies where possible.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships.
• Attend out of office events including trade clubs and networking events.

Key attributes and skills:

• An eye for detail
• Lateral thinker
• Be resilient and adaptable to change
• Good communicator and confident working cross functionally
• Proactive and able to build and manage relationships
• Experience within an international trade role (freight forwarding, customs, import/export)
• Understanding of Inco Terms, commodity codes, freight negotiation and cross border trade
• MS Office
• Desirable: Interest in politics, geo-politics or international affairs
• Desirable: Experience working within a supply chain