Manager, Import & Export

Manager, Import & ExportTokyo, JapanWe are looking for an experienced Import & Export Manager to lead Japan’s customs and trade operations, while driving operational excellence, compliance and logistics transformation.This is a hands-on role combining day-to-day import and export management with process improvement, stakeholder management and involvement in digital and systems initiatives.The RoleYou will take ownership of import and export customs operations across Japan, ensuring compliance, operational efficiency and strong service delivery.Import, Export & Trade ComplianceOversee import and export customs operations and ensure compliance with regulations and internal policies.Manage customs brokers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers, including performance and KPI management.Provide expertise on tariff classification, customs valuation, country of origin and related trade requirements.Support customs audits and strengthen compliance processes and governance.Identify opportunities to improve and standardise customs and trade procedures.Team & Operational ManagementOversee daily team activities, workload allocation and service performance.Provide operational guidance, coaching and support to the team.Encourage knowledge sharing, training and continuous improvement.Projects, Digital & TransformationLead and support logistics projects focused on process improvement and operational stabilisation.Support SAP implementation and the integration of logistics processes and systems.Work with IT, vendors and internal stakeholders to define requirements and deliver project milestones.Participate in UAT, system validation and process testing.Explore digital and AI solutions to improve customs enquiry management, product information retrieval and reduce manual processes.What We're Looking For5+ years of experience in customs, freight forwarding, logistics operations or a related field.Strong knowledge of Japan import/export regulations and customs compliance.Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers or other logistics service providers.Experience in logistics projects, process improvement or systems implementation; SAP experience is an advantage.Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data and KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Power BI or other data visualisation tools would be an advantage.Fluent Japanese and business-level English.The PersonYou are someone who can balance the demands of day-to-day operations with longer-term improvement initiatives. You are comfortable working across different stakeholders and can bring structure, clarity and practical solutions to complex logistics and customs matters.You will have:Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.A solid understanding of compliance, risk and operational governance.The ability to work effectively with brokers, forwarders, carriers and internal business partners.A proactive and solution-oriented approach.Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.An interest in using technology and digital solutions to improve the way logistics operations work.Based in Tokyo, this is an opportunity to take a broad role across customs, trade compliance, operations and logistics transformation.