Plant Health - Imports Delivery Manager

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups. The role is to coordinate and manage a team of Import inspectors who deliver physical inspections of plants, planting material & produce at Border Control Points and inspection centres. Import controls exist to prevent harmful plant pests from entering GB from third countries. The simplest way to achieve this is to exclude harmful organisms (HOs) that are not established in GB but that have the potential to do so. This is achieved by prohibiting certain Quarantine Pests, these are listed in The Plant Health Regulations. In addition, carry out both Documentary and ID checks on import applications and accompanying certification. Inspections on fresh produce in relation to marketing standards will also be conducted in addition to the Plant Health controls. As the line manager for Import inspectors you will be trained as an Imports inspector. Shift working - We work a 4 day on 4 day off shift pattern. The hours this covers will vary at each BCP but can be up to 24-hour cover. The minimum shift allowance is 12.5% but when covering nights this can be as high as 20%. The role will include:

• Reporting to the Delivery Team Manager to plan and undertake a programme of tasks, working independently and/or as part of a team.
• Managing a team of inspectors who carry out statutory inspection of fresh Horticultural produce, imported plants, planting material and plant produce to ensure compliance with import regulations.
• Carry out inspections at the Border Control Point as required.
• Will have to carry out observed field visits which involves witnessing inspections being carried out.
• Provide technical support to inspectors and supervise interceptions.
• Perform line management of Executive Officer (EO) inspectors with responsibility for the competent delivery of their work.
• Responsible for development and wellbeing of inspectors in your shift and wider delivery area.
• Onboard new entrants and support them in their training, signing off as competent in conjunction with their functional manager, this includes supporting apprentices when they come into the business.
• Deliver the People Performance process with your team. Set objectives monitor performance via 1 to 1 conversations and regular performance reviews.
• Monitor KPI and manage team delivery to match.
• Work with the Regional Manager to make sure resourcing is sufficient to cover operational hours.
• Ensure administrative functions are delivered accurately and in accordance with established timescales and delivery/performance measures, following correct processes, procedures and instructions.
• Be aware of resource constraints and potential issues to delivery, take a proactive approach to resolve and offer solutions, making senior managers aware as appropriate.
• Provide support and guidance to others (internally and externally) on procedures and policies.
• Manage customer expectation in line with policies, targets and legislation.
• Be prepared to undertake difficult conversations with customers, stakeholders and/or delivery partners.
• Liaise closely with various regulatory bodies such as His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, Port Health, Animal Health authorities & Border Control Point operations management.
• Build and maintain relationships with other enforcement bodies and BCP operators.
• Work with BCP Traffic Marshals to prevent unnecessary delays to inspections and the transit of goods.
• To assist in other tasks or duties they have experience in or have been trained on which when undertaken can further their personal development as per agreement in Performance Management Record with a time limit to enhance prospects of career progression.
  
  Disability Confident
About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .