Import and Export Manager (Liberia)

Position Purpose The Import & Export Manager oversees and coordinates all global shipping activities, customs compliance, and international trade logistics. This role is critical to ensuring that raw materials arrive at the factory without delays and finished goods are distributed efficiently to international markets. The position requires a deep understanding of trade regulations, customs documentation, and freight forwarder management to minimize risks and reduce logistics costs. Key Responsibilities Logistics & Customs Compliance • Ensure all import and export transactions fully comply with international trade laws, customs regulations, and local country requirements. • Classify goods accurately using Harmonized System (HS) codes, and manage tariffs, duties, and trade agreements (e.g., FTA, country of origin rules). • Prepare, review, and manage all mandatory documentation including Commercial Invoices, Bills of Lading, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, and customs declarations. Supply Chain & Operations Management • Coordinate with Procurement, Production, and Sales departments to align shipping schedules with manufacturing timelines and customer delivery deadlines. • Monitor global shipments in real-time, proactively troubleshooting delays, port congestions, or customs holds to minimize plant downtime. • Manage inventory tracking for transit goods, ensuring data accuracy in the company’s ERP system. Vendor & Cost Management • Negotiate freight rates, service level agreements, and contracts with ocean carriers, air lines, trucking companies, and customs brokers. • Conduct routine audits of customs entries and freight invoices to identify billing discrepancies and ensure cost-efficiency. • Evaluate and select logistics partners based on performance metrics, reliability, and cost. Qualifications & Experience • Experience: 5+ years of experience in international logistics, customs compliance, or freight forwarding, specifically within a manufacturing or industrial distribution environment. • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field. • Certifications: Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), or equivalent trade certifications are highly preferred. • Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in ERP systems (such as SAP or Oracle) and specialized Global Trade Management (GTM) software. Key Competencies • Regulatory Expertise: Deep understanding of incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW), customs valuation, and import/export compliance frameworks. • Problem-Solving: Ability to resolve high-pressure logistics bottlenecks, customs audits, or regulatory delays quickly to keep production lines running. • Negotiation: Strong commercial acumen to negotiate favorable rates and terms with global logistics providers. • Analytical Skills: Comfortable analyzing shipping data, freight lanes, and duty spend to optimize logistics costs.