Imports Controller

We believe in providing meaningful work and achieving a real work/life balance. Here, you’ll find both. Our Supply Chain team is the engine room for getting thousands of products from farms and factories to our millions of customers every day. We leverage insight and data to anticipate customer needs, ensuring they get what they want, when they need it. You’ll be part of a team that is data-driven and judgement-focused, always the first to identify and address any issues or ambiguities. A culture of collaboration, customer obsession, and continuous improvement drives us to deliver market-leading product availability and operational excellence, and fuels our innovation. Our Supply Chain team calls for people who champion change, are customer-obsessed, data-driven, and excel at collaborating and communicating effectively – because those people can go a very long way.In a nutshellWorking as part of the Imports Operations team, this role provides an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment with responsibility for the flow of products from global origins into the UK. The role will heavily support change and process improvement within the team, working closely with other Imports colleagues, internal stakeholders and external service providers to drive operational efficiency. Providing the day-to-day analysis and problem resolution to support the development and delivery of the Imports strategy.What I am accountable forDay to day liaison with freight forwarders and resolution of issues relating to importingSupport the integration of product flow into the import operation and wider business networkSupport performance and commercial management of selected Freight Managers and selected carriers through KPI managementBuild and maintain relationships with selected shipping lines and freight forwardersDeliver required change projects on time and within expected KPIsSupport the development & implementation of new supply chain solutions to maximise service & minimise costDrive development and improvement opportunities across Imports processes, with a focus on realising continuous improvementMonitoring of reporting and ensuring that visibility functions are delivering the required solutions for both Imports colleagues and our stakeholdersSupport the Imports Team operational activity as requiredKeep in frequent communication with external stakeholders to remain updated on market trends and proactively share relevant information with the business.Cultivate effective relationships with other departments through great communication, to foster strong cross-functional collaboration and ensure that all teams stay well-informed.What I need to knowEssentialExperience in International Supply Chain and hands-on 3PL management.Knowledge of Imports and Exports proceduresExcellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate well with all levels.Proven critical thinking & problem-solving skillsEffective analytical skills, detail-minded, sensitive to details and numbers, independent and able to work under high pressure within tight and sensitive deadlines.DesirableProficient in MS office applicationsExperience utilising AI driven technical solutionsAbility to multitaskSelf-motivated, responsible, well organized and able to work independentlyProject management or co-ordinationExperience in Team leadershipWhat I need to showTake ownership for solving problemsMaintain a respectful approach, focusing on collaborative problem-solving and learning from differing viewpoints.Be open minded to try new ways of workingBe flexible to adapt to change and respond positivelyShow curiosity about the business beyond your immediate roleShow care and respect to everyone and provide support to othersFoster consistent collaboration with other departments to strengthen cross-functional relationshipsSupport we will provideFull systems & training supportAccess to a range of learning opportunities, including workshops, courses, mentoring, and on-the-job experiences to achieving the personal career goalsWe are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so youll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, theres always the chance to try something new whether thats as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business – and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, well also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them:Starting off with colleague discount, you’ll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury’s, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We’ve also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You’ll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 10% of salary, depending on how we perform.Your wellbeing is important to us too. You’ll receive an annual holiday allowance and you can buy up to an additional week’s holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks pay for paternity leave.Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibiity criteria may apply)….