Import Manager

This individual will oversee the cargo importation and claims management functions, ensuring compliance with the company’s policies, standards, guidelines, and the Customs and Excise Act (Jamaica). The role will focus on ensuring accurate accounting of all goods, minimizing rent and demurrage costs.

Reports To:                                 Senior Manager – Reception and Warehousing

Liaises/Collaborates with:         Jamaica Customs Agency, Trade Board, Customs Brokers, Shipping Lines, Merchandize Department, Haulage Contractors, Suppliers, Warehouse Manager

Supervision given to:                 Customs Supervisor         

Purpose:   Manages the cargo importation and claim management functions, consistent with the Company’s policy, standards, guidelines and the Customs and Excise Act (Jamaica), ensuring all goods are accounted for, while reducing rent and demurrage costs.  He/she will also be responsible overseeing the customs team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and ensuring timely delivery.

Main Duties & Responsibilities: 

Shipment monitoring

• Coordinates import/export shipments including customs clearance and documentation.
• Tracks and traces shipments daily to ensure that they are delivered on time.
• Assigning of shipments to brokers as required.

Compliance

• Develops and implement policies and procedures related to imports/exports.
• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations (Trade Board, Jamaica Customs Agency, etc.) and government programs to maintain Unicomer Jamaica Limited Advanced Economic Operator status.
• Monitors and analyze import/export data to identify compliance issues and take corrective actions.
• Monitors the import/export database.
• Ensures compliance with the company’s policies and procedures.

Cost Management

• Looks for ways to reduce/eliminate costs including Demurrage and Detention.

People Management

• Supervises a team to include organizing schedules, assigning tasks and ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Recruits and train staff.
• Liaises with freight forwarders and other 3PLs to ensure accurate import/export processes and paperwork.
• Negotiates contracts with carriers, suppliers, and distribution networks.
• Develops and maintains relationships with customers and other relevant organizations.
• Manages customers complaints and negotiate claims on Unicomer Jamaica Ltd behalf.

Reporting

• Prepares and submit reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Forecast and report on overall customs clearance cash requirement to assist with the management of cash flow.
• Monitor and report on international trade trends and developments.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Customs, Freight Forwarding and Immigration Processes, Logistics, Management or a related field.
• At least 3 years of management-level experience within a similar industry.
• Custom Brokage License
• Experience in using the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
• Budgeting and report management Experience.
• Member of the Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica would be an asset.

REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

• Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent relationship management and networking skills
• Good negotiating skill
• Capable of clearly communicating with others
• Superb organizational multitasking and time-management abilities
• Familiarity with financial principles
• Proficient in MS Office and other reporting tools

DESIRABLE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Systematic
• Self-motivated
• Goal-oriented
• Innovative
• Able to cope well under pressure
• Persistent and committed

THIS REPRESENTS A BROAD OUTLINE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND CANNOT LIST IN DETAIL ALL OF THE TASKS THE JOBHOLDER WILL BE EXPECTED TO UNDERTAKE.