Import Export Manager

Position Overview:The Import & Export Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all international trade activities related to the import and export of specialty chemicals. This role ensures regulatory compliance, efficient logistics execution, cost optimization, inventory availability, and seamless coordination with suppliers, customers, freight partners, customs authorities, and regulatory agencies. The incumbent will manage the end-to-end movement of chemical products while ensuring adherence to global trade regulations, hazardous goods requirements, and company quality standards.Key Responsibilities:Import Operations Management:Oversee the entire import and export process, from initial order placement through to delivery and distribution.Coordinate with international suppliers and vendors to ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment.Manage and monitor import documentation, including bills of lading, import declarations, and customs forms.Regulatory Compliance:Ensure all import activities comply with relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards.Stay updated on changes in import regulations and implement necessary adjustments to processes.Logistics Coordination:Collaborate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and shipping carriers to manage transportation and logistics.Track shipments and resolve any issues related to delays, damages, or discrepancies.Evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.Reporting and Analysis:Prepare and present reports on import activities, including cost analysis, shipment status, and compliance.Analyze import data to identify trends and areas for improvement.Team Leadership:Supervise and mentor import team members, providing guidance and support as needed.Coordinate with other departments, such as procurement and sales, to align import activities with overall business objectives.Export Operations Management:Manage the complete export process from customer order receipt through shipment and final delivery to international customers and distributors.Coordinate with overseas customers, distributors, and internal commercial teams to ensure timely execution of export orders.Prepare, review, and maintain all export documentation including:Commercial InvoicesPacking ListsCertificates of OriginExport DeclarationsShipping InstructionsBills of Lading / Airway BillsSDS/MSDS and Dangerous Goods DeclarationsEnsure compliance with export control regulations, trade sanctions, licensing requirements, and destination-country import requirements.Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, and airlines for efficient movement of export shipments.Manage export logistics for specialty chemicals, including hazardous and non-hazardous products, ensuring compliance with IMDG, IATA, ADR, and other applicable regulations.Monitor export shipment status and proactively resolve issues related to documentation, customs clearance, transportation delays, or customer delivery requirements.Support regional sales teams by ensuring export operations meet customer service expectations and business commitments.Identify opportunities to optimize export freight costs, transit times, and service levels.Maintain accurate export records and ensure compliance with statutory and audit requirements.Oversee export incentive schemes, duty drawback programs, and free trade agreements where applicable.Position Requirements & Key AbilitiesBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or any relevant field.Completed Certifications or Courses in Import/ExportRequired Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in International trade & shipmentsFluency in spoken and written English.Possess strong MS Office skills.Key Personal AttributesIntegrity - Display professionalism and integrity when carrying out his / her responsibilities. Does the right thing when nobody’s looking. Honest in all internal and external customer relations. Exhibits ethical and moral behavior in everyday business conduct. Is as straightforward as possible in all situations. Treating others with respect.Relationships – Builds and sustains professional working relationships. Makes the effort to know a variety of people in the organization. Establishes effective working partnerships with all internal and external parties.Self & Business Discipline – Consistently displays core values (integrity, customer service, relationship excellence).Fulfils commitments.Service orientation – provides high quality service. Responds promptly to service requests.Confidentiality – Understands confidentiality of employee information. Maintain and adheres to organizational confidentiality policies. Knows how to keep company-related data confidential.Initiative – Shows inclination to initiate, rather than to react. Initiates individual or group projects, and takes complete responsibility for their success.Teamwork & Communication Skills – Works and communicate well with managers, executives, and all members of the Company. Share necessary information. Communicates effectively with all levels.Please note that this is a general description of the role and its requirements. The duties and responsibilities within this role may change over the course of employment at the employer’s discretion.