Import Export Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:Job Title: Import & Export Manager

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Department: Import & Export (I & E)Job Type: Full-timeResumption: ASAPJOB SUMMARY :The Import & Export Manager will lead and oversee end-to-end international trade and clearing operations, ensuring the seamless, cost-effective, and fully compliant movement of goods into and out of Nigeria.

Acting as a strategic liaison between the company, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), port authorities, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and local transporters, the Manager will drive clearance efficiency, mitigate operational risks, and manage a high-performing clearing team.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :1. Customs Compliance, Documentation & Government RelationsStrategic Customs Liaison: Leverage established relationships with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), PAAR offices, SON, NAFDAC, NDLEA, and relevant port authorities to facilitate smooth clearance, resolve disputes, and expedite cargo release.Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to Nigerian import/export laws, tariffs, customs regulations, Form M processing, Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAAR), Letters of Credit (LC), and shipping documentation.Risk Management: Proactively identify and resolve potential customs flags, demurrages, storage risks, or documentation discrepancies before vessel arrival.2. Clearing Operations & Logistics OversightEnd-to-End Tracking: Direct and monitor cargo movement from port of origin through vessel discharge at Lagos ports (Apapa, Tin Can, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Airport Terminals) to final warehouse delivery.Freight & Vendor Management: Manage relationships, performance, and service level agreements (SLAs) with freight forwarders, shipping lines, clearing agents, and haulage providers.Process Optimization: Streamline customs clearance procedures to significantly reduce dwell times, eliminate unnecessary demurrage charges, and optimize supply chain costs.3. Team Leadership & Financial ManagementTeam Management: Lead, mentor, and evaluate the internal customs clearing and I&E team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and accuracy.Budget & Cost Control: Oversee the department’s operational budget, verifying duty assessments, terminal charges, freight invoices, and settlement expenses to prevent cost overruns.Record Keeping & Audit Readiness: Maintain impeccable digital and physical records for all clearance transactions, duty payments, and customs documentation for internal and external audits.KPI Monitoring: Track, analyze, and report on key metrics such as clearance lead times, cost per container/shipment, demurrage rates, and vendor SLA compliance.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE :Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.Experience:Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on experience in import/export and customs clearing operations in Nigeria.Minimum of 2+ years in a leadership or managerial role overseeing clearing teams and logistics personnel.Key Network Requirement: Strong, verifiable relationships with Nigeria Customs Authorities (NCS) and major port terminals/agencies in Lagos.Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Nigerian import/export regulations, Form M, PAAR, NICIS II system, customs codes/tariffs, and shipping line procedures.