Import Controller

At Argos, we’re a digital-led UK retailer that keeps pushing boundaries to meet every generation with what they want, how and when they want it. As a market leader in general merchandise, serving millions of customers through our website, app, same-day delivery and Click & Collect services, we offer real opportunities to learn, grow and shape your career. With roles spanning Commercial, Buying, Merchandising, Design and Supply Chain, through to Digital, Operations, Customer Experience, Marketing, and People and Transformation , you will work with brilliant colleagues and directly shape how we serve our customers every day. From enabling inspiring choice across our owned brands, including Habitat, Chad Valley and Bush, alongside the world’s biggest brands like Apple, Lego, Xbox and Samsung, to making shopping effortlessly convenient, championing trusted value and accelerating our strategy - Argos is an exciting place to build your future.

In a nutshell

The Import Controller is responsible for product flow from origin to the UK across all Argos business areas. The role will coordinate the import operation of selected product categories within the company portfolio as designated. You'll also own the day-to-day business analysis and problem resolution required to support the development of the Import strategy, and be fundamental to the Planning and Implementation of end-to-end product flow - making this role very operationally focused.

What I am accountable for  

• Day to day liaison with freight forwarders and carriers and resolution of issues relating to importing
• Upstream review of Purchase orders reviewing optimum Flow routes
• 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
• Adhoc management of Air Freight/ multi modal required solution
• Support relationship development with selected shipping lines and forwarders
• Focus on realising continuous improvement opportunities
• Monitoring of reporting and ensuring visibility functions are delivering the required solutions
• Delivering required change projects on time and within expected kpi’s
• Liaison with Accounts teams regarding invoicing issues and queries
• Forecasting shipment movements at port level and driving continuous improvement
• Keep in frequent communication with external stakeholders to remain updated on market trends
• Cultivate ongoing communication with other departments to foster strong cross-functional collaboration and ensure that all teams stay well-informed.

What I need to know  

• Experience in International Supply Chain and hands-on 3PL management.
• Knowledge of Imports procedures
• Problem solving and trouble shooting skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate well with all levels.  
• Effective analytical skills, detail-minded, sensitive to details and numbers, independent and able to 
• Proficient in MS office application
• Experience utilising AI driven technical solutions (desirable)
• Ability to multitask
• Self-motivated, responsible, well organized and able to work independently.

What I need to show

• Take ownership for solving problems
• Maintain a respectful approach, focusing on collaborative problem-solving and learning from differing viewpoints
• Being open minded to try new ways of working
• Being flexible to adapt any change and respond positively  
• Show curiosity about the business beyond your immediate role
• Show care and respect to everyone and provide support to others
• Fostered consistent collaboration with other departments to strengthen cross-functional relationships.