Imports Controller
Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits
Location: Coventry Store Support Centre - Ansty Park and Home, Coventry, CV7 9RD
Contract type: Permanent
Business area: Logistics
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Requisition ID: 400062035
In a nutshell
Working 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 for
Day to day liaison with freight forwarders and resolution of issues relating to importing
Support the integration of product flow into the import operation and wider business network
Support performance and commercial management of selected Freight Managers and selected carriers through KPI management
Build and maintain relationships with selected shipping lines and freight forwarders
Deliver required change projects on time and within expected KPI’s
Support the development & implementation of new supply chain solutions to maximise service & minimise cost
Drive development and improvement opportunities across Imports processes, with a focus on realising continuous improvement
Monitoring of reporting and ensuring that visibility functions are delivering the required solutions for both Imports colleagues and our stakeholders
Support the Imports Team operational activity as required
Keep 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 know
Essential
Experience in International Supply Chain and hands-on 3PL management.
Knowledge of Imports and Exports procedures
Excellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate well with all levels.
Proven critical thinking & problem-solving skills
Effective analytical skills, detail-minded, sensitive to details and numbers, independent and able to work under high pressure within tight and sensitive deadlines.
Desirable
Proficient in MS office applications
Experience utilising AI driven technical solutions
Ability to multitask
Self-motivated, responsible, well organized and able to work independently
Project management or co-ordination
Experience in Team leadership
What I need to show
Take ownership for solving problems
Maintain a respectful approach, focusing on collaborative problem-solving and learning from differing viewpoints.
Be open minded to try new ways of working
Be flexible to adapt to change and respond positively
Show curiosity about the business beyond your immediate role
Show care and respect to everyone and provide support to others
Foster consistent collaboration with other departments to strengthen cross-functional relationships
Support we will provide
Full systems & training support
Access to a range of learning opportunities, including workshops, courses, mentoring, and on-the-job experiences to achieving the personal career goals
We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s 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, we’ll 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).
