Description:
The Imports Team Leader will oversee end-to-end management of imports process, ensuring the timely and efficient clearance of goods through customs, while leading a team responsible for managing all import-related activities. This role is key to ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, optimizing costs, and mitigating risks in the import supply chain. The Imports Team Leader will act as a point of escalation for complex import issues and collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders to streamline operations.
- Lead, manage, and mentor a team of import coordinators to ensure the efficient functioning of all import-related activities.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of all customs documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin etc.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant customs regulations, including import duties, tariffs, taxes, international trade agreements and preferences for UK.
- Supervise and coordinate the customs clearance process in a way which can ensure timely clearance of shipments right at the time of arrival at the port of entry.
- Act as the point of escalation for complex or urgent customs clearance issues, resolve problems efficiently for preventing delays or penalties.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to imports, including customs disputes, delays, and discrepancies and develop strategies to prevent recurrence.
- Monitor and manage costs associated with the import process, including duties, taxes, and fees, ensuring that all costs are accurately tracked and recorded.
- Identify opportunities to optimize the importation process and reduce costs through process improvements, strategic partnerships, and better negotiation with service providers.
- Assign tasks, monitor team performance, and provide training to staff for ensuring high levels of competence and productivity.
- Can continuously assess and improve the efficiency of import processes, identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements to reduce lead times and enhance overall efficiency.
- Collaborate with internal departments such as sales, road, air and sea freight to ensure smooth coordination resulting in improved service delivery.
- Provide guidance on import regulations, customs clearance and tariff classification to other departments especially sales as and when needed.
- Provide timely updates to management on key departmental performance indicators (KPIs), focusing especially the average clearance time, timely shipment deliveries and customs compliance.
- Resolve any issues or discrepancies related to imports, including delays, customs fines, or documentation errors, and take corrective actions as necessary.
Job Requirements;
5 years of work experience in imports department for handling shipments in UK, US, EU or Middle Eastern countries
Should come with good understanding of UK Customs or US Customs
Experience in Cargowise One, Descartes or SAP
IT literate with Extraordinary Communications Skills
Education and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain operations, business management or related field;