Imports Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Import/Receiving (Logistics) Manager

Department: Imports Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Director of Imports & Regulatory Compliance

Work Schedule: 8:00am to 5:00pm                                   Positions Supervised: Yes

POSITION SUMMARY:

The incumbent must be an experienced Imports Manager with strong knowledge in purchasing, supply chain processes, and a solid imports background to manage and continue to optimize our sourcing operations. This role ensures the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant importation of goods, working closely with suppliers, logistics providers, and internal teams to maintain smooth supply chain operations. The Imports manager is responsible for the import process and ensures compliance with all required government laws and licensing regulations. Develop and implement systems and policies to administer documentation processes required to import and export merchandise and materials. Possesses in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of customs rules and regulations and other related requirements for global shipping. Resolves complex issues that have been escalated and expedite solutions with clients, customs officials, and shippers. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. Ensure that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhered to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Supervise the importing of products; ensure that the organization follows US Customs Rules and Regulations and any other regulations. The Manager serves as intermediary between importers, exporters, merchant shipping companies, airlines, trucking companies, and the broker to facilitate all import shipments. Monitors status of all import orders and any related issues. Oversees and communicates with customers, suppliers, and Sales Departments, and Purchasing Department to coordinate payments and resolve any discrepancies as needed. Follows up on wire transfers and communicates shipping information. Manages and negotiates shipping contracts for imported goods with air, ocean, and trucking companies. Ensure that imported goods are filed under the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification code and duty rates are correct. Ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.

IMPORT MANAGER FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the Import Department that Customs clearances are being completed in a timely manner
• Ensure that the ACH payment is being transmitted daily to avoid any late filing penalties
• Spot check the creations of items in AIS when necessary to ensure accuracy at the time of filing
• Audit the Custom entries to ensure that the Import department staffs are complying with all the Customs regulations when it comes to filing customs entries
• Double check new items have the correct HTS to for the product being imported
• Spot check entries to ensure that the tax calculations are entered accurately
• Problems solve issues that may arise at the time of importation of merchandise into the United States
• Ensure that the products are being classified correctly for the Food and Drug Administration
• Oversee the Customs Document Control Department that is responsible for all the bond files and the In-bond documentation
• Ensure that the Custom document control clerk performs his/her duties accurately and in a timely manner
• Monitor that all bond files are closed with the allotted time frame. To avoid any penalty for late filing
• Audit the bond file room on a yearly basis for accuracy
• Audit the in-bond files to ensure that we have none missing and that we comply with Customs regulations.
• Resolving the problematic entries (US Customs questions, FDA errors/FDA registration numbers, delayed shipments, missing Manufacture IDs, amendments)
• Responsible for audits visits by Customs and Border Protection as well as any other government agency.
• Find and develop ways to better improve the Customs Import System and process within the department
• Insure that at no time the company is being put in a vulnerable position with Customs and Border Protection or any other Federal agency
• Be able to jump in at a moment’s notice and assist the department with Customs clearances
• Find ways to better improve the process, for now and future growth
• Ability to Work Closely with Warehouse Operations and Purchasing Department
• Manage all logistical aspects of the in-bound freight operations, including & manage inbound drayage functions.

            COSTING FUNTCTIONS:

• Oversee the Receiving and Costing Department, which has the responsibility of applying all costs associated with the importation of the merchandise, if applicable. Also, if the merchandise is bonded that the Customs entry matches 100% to what the warehouse received physically and is being received in the system
• Trouble shoot issues that may occur at the time of receiving or after the orders has been received
• Be able to jump in at a moment’s notice and assist the department with receiving
• Find ways to better improve the process, for now and future growth

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS:

• Manage Staffs leave request to insure proper coverage
• Trouble Shoot issues with the Customs system (AIS) as they may arise
• Responsible for overseeing the monthly filing of Beer Drawbacks for Taxes

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration or equivalency and/or associate’s degree (two-year college or technical school) Preferred. Minimum of 5 years related experience and/or a combination of experience and education in related field. 5-7 years of managerial/supervisory experience required. Knowledge of Imports/Exports is a must, and knowledge of Inventory Control is a plus.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:   

• In-depth knowledge of import/export regulations, including customs laws, and trade compliance.
• Familiarity with freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and international shipping documentation.
• Understanding of global supply chain operations, purchasing strategies, and inventory management.
• Knowledge of alcohol and beverage import regulations (TTB, FDA) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to optimize import processes and reduce costs.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong numerical and financial acumen for managing budgets, tariffs, and freight costs.
• High attention to detail for accurate documentation and compliance management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work cross-functionally and build supplier relationships.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations related to imports and international trade.
• Capability to manage high-pressure situations, such as customs delays or supply chain disruptions.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions while maintaining compliance.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to guide import coordinators or logistics staff.
• Ability to identify risks and develop strategies for mitigation in the global supply chain.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations, such as delays or supply chain disruptions.
• Capacity to adapt to changing regulations and market conditions in global trade.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills to manage team dynamics and performance.
• Background in the alcoholic and soft beverage industry or familiarity with TTB regulations, preferred.
• Experience managing imports for perishable goods or products with specific compliance requirements preferred.

Computer Skills:  

• Ability to supervise 10- 20 people 
• Customs Regulations 
• JD Edwards’s software is 
• Proficiency in logistics software (e.g., ERP systems, WMS) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Competency Statement(s):

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
• Accurate - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace
• Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem
• Assertiveness - Ability to act in a self-confident manner to facilitate completion of a work assignment or to defend a position or idea
• Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely
• Competitive - Willingness to strive to get ahead or to finish projects
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company procedures
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
• Goal Oriented - Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result
• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
• Judgment - The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information
• Motivation - Ability to inspire oneself and others to reach a goal and/or perform to the best of their ability
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
• Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy
• Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct
• Self-Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of one’s ability using his or her own drive or initiative
• Tactful - Ability to show consideration for and maintain good relations with others
• Team Building - Ability to convince a group of people to work toward a goal
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines
• Tolerance - Ability to work successfully with a variety of people without making judgments
• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

   Physical Abilities                                                 Lift /Carry

   Stand                                   O (Occasionally)          10 lbs or less   O (Occasionally)

   Walk                                    F (Frequently)              11-20 lbs   N (Not Applicable)

   Sit                                       C (Constantly)             21-50 lbs   N (Not Applicable)

   Handling / Fingering              C (Constantly)             51-100 lbs   N (Not Applicable)

   Reach Outward                    F (Frequently)              Over 100 lbs   N (Not Applicable)

   Reach Above Shoulder         F (Frequently)

   Climb                                   N (Not Applicable)

   Crawl                                   N (Not Applicable)

   Squat or Kneel                     O (Occasionally)

   Bend                                    O (Occasionally)

N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation. 

O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs/day)

F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs/day)

C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs./day)

   Other Physical Requirements

      Vision (Near, Distance)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Working conditions are good. Physical demand is normal and that of regular office conditions such as sitting, standing and walking.
• Sedentary work. Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body

VISUAL ACUITY

Director of Imports/ Regulatory Compliance: ____________________________________Date:  ________________

Approval Signature:  ______________________________          Date: ____________________________________

                                    Director of Human Resources

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

I acknowledge receipt of the job description.  It has been reviewed with me by my supervisor. I understand should I have any questions regarding my duties, I will consult with my supervisor and/or the Human Resources Department.

Employee:  ___________________________________  Date: ____________________________________

                                    (Print Name)

Employee:  ___________________________________

                                        (Signature)