Import / Export Operations Manager

Description

Participate in design and ensure implementation of customer operations strategy to deliver efficient logistics processes and results in the supply chain of a specific client using multimodal means of transportation and provide support to sales team in line with the business strategy and requirements, corporate guidelines and policies

Responsibilities 

• Contribute to development of customer operations strategy in line with business strategy and requirements, corporate guidelines and policies
• Draft and ensure implementation of operational plans, measures and budgets
• Ensure efficient management of the flow of goods and information across a customer’s global supply chain utilizing air / ocean / ground transportation, customs brokerage services and dedicated warehousing/distribution centers
• Ensure development and implementation of service programs in response to current and changing customer requirements identified by the sales teams
• Work with the sales and commercial teams in extending the service portfolio to acquire new business opportunities and provide support in a timely and accurate manner
• Extend support for planning and preparation of Customer Requests for Quotation (RFQ) and tenders including conducting customer visits and making presentations
• Ensure coordination with specialists from various logistics operations to guarantee integrated, cost and time-efficient logistics processes
• Analyze, research and develop improved operational techniques for value-added services
• Seek opportunities and lead their implementation to drive extension of operational services
• Make proposals to optimize and monitor processes related to customer order processing, shipping and returns
• Ensure adherence to operating standards and procedures to provide cost-effective, superior and efficient customer service
• Study issues, determine opportunities and introduce best practices for customer operations focusing on increasing effectiveness and efficiency
• Oversee the preparation of documentation, including but not limited to invoices, bills of lading, shipping statements, receipts, to ensure accurate and complete documents are prepared within designated timeframes.
• Oversee and maintain the Harmonized Classification System pertaining to tariff research, binding rules, protests, duty rates, and valuation on import shipments into the U.S. are processed timely and efficiently and in accordance with all applicable laws.
• Interface with Federal agencies at the local and national level to ensure compliance with all pertinent laws and regulations as directed by senior management.
• Establish recordkeeping standards and oversee file maintenance in accordance with regulations and company policies.
• Work collaboratively with senior management and IT staff to coordinate systems implementation and design systems for EDI transmission of data for documentation and supply chain records; keep abreast of technology innovations.
• Plan and monitor daily staffing schedules and adjust accordingly to ensure sufficient staffing schedules which support operational demands.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are consistently administered.
• Keep senior management informed of all transaction problems or irregularities.
• Establish, monitor, revise, document, and communicate all directives, rules, and procedures to staff, for the handling of each account, including schedule of service fees, shipment and booking process, and any other related information.
• Select, motivate, train, delegate, coach, develop, assess progress, review, and reprimand staff as appropriate, create career opportunities for professional development, address employee problems in a prompt and direct manner in accordance with company policy.

Qualifications 

• Strongly preferred: 7 + years in shipping / logistics / supply chain management industry.
• Preferred: prior experience in customer service and/or import / export operations.
• Strongly preferred: 5 + years of supervisory experience
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Preferred: experience using transportation management systems and Hillebrand's systems.
• Ability to persuade and lead.  Ability to recognize and cultivate talent and develop high-potential employees into high-performing employees.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Physical ability to: communicate clearly and accurately, operate a computer and other office equipment.

Competencies for Success