Import Export Manager

The overall responsibility of this position is to review and oversee Import processes and Customs compliance. Duties include but are not limited to, classifying products as well as ensuring full Import Transportation and Customs compliance for both Nikon Inc. and Nikon Instruments Inc. Further responsibilities include investigating and resolving U.S. Customs issues, reconciliating duty statements, approving ocean shipment bookings, overseeing cargo transportation and Import clearance issues, coding and approving freight and brokerage related billing. Keeps Sr. Import/Export Manager apprised of ongoing activities and issues as they arise.

Essential Functions And Key Areas Of Responsibility

• Work daily with Dept. Manager on product classification process and duty rate assignment.
• Complement material set up process by entering into SAP the correct item HTS classification number and the Country of Origin.
• Initiate new requests for HTSUS code set-up into SAP by communicating directly with the Financial Inventory Control Department and IT. Review with Manager as needed.
• Thoroughly review and update HTS database for Imaging, SRO and NII. Provide new and updated HTS codes to NII and requests of NII to update in SAP.
• Maintain Classification database including Sec 301 provisions and exclusions, Rulings, OGAs and HTS updates as required and in accordance with U.S. Customs Regulations.
• Review and approve draft documents in accordance with the U.S. Customs rules and regulations.
• Responsible for full oversight and audit of all import entry processes (CF3461), (CF7501), (e214), (CF216) for consumption and Foreign Trade Zone.
• Provide brokers with shipments breakdown, classifications and supporting documents, reviewing and approving proposed tariff ratings sent by Customs Brokers prior to Import Entry submission to CBP.
• Generate and manage the weekly comparison report validating that the inventory in all systems (warehouse, broker and SAP) match, for reconciliation and processing of FTZ weekly entry purposes.
• Responsible for auditing and approving the FTZ weekly entry prior to its transmission to CBP, to ensure correctness of elements to be declared (i.e.: entry header data, item description, countries of export, countries of origin, classification, Section 301 provisions and exclusions, FTAz, inventory layers, admission information, zone status, withdrawal dates, quantities, entered values etc.)
• Review documentation submitted to CBP for correctness, monitoring for accuracy of information, AMS match and full compliance with US Customs rules and regulations
• When needed, responsible for correcting and submitting updated Entry Correction instructions and narrative to the corresponding Customs brokers for Census Warnings, Entry Documents Required, Post Summary Correction, Voluntary Tender and Protest purposes. Review with Manager as needed.
• Monitor entry liquidation reports, pursuing pending bills or refunds of duty.
• Support Trade Compliance function by conducting internal audits of all entry documents and declarations submitted by Customs brokers, to evaluate compliance levels
• Constantly update policies, procedures and internal controls to promote correct implementation of any changes in the US import laws and regulations.
• Analyze available data and identify Import / Export compliance gaps, generating compliance risk assessments and mitigation measures on a regular basis.
• Participate in Broker's QBRs (Quarterly Broker Review), travelling as needed.
• Responsible for overseeing OGA's (Other Government Agency) forms and submissions such as FDA and TSCA. Request all pertinent documentation to ensure recordkeeping compliance, per ISA requirements.
• Communicate daily with Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders, Carriers, internal departments and Nikon Corp. concerning shipment issues, lack of shipping documents, country of origin requirements, special programs information and trade agreements, U.S. Customs rules and regulations, product literature required for classification purposes, Purchase Orders, and Customs clearance for both air and ocean freight.
• Review and approve ocean bookings requests, verifying ISF information and approving submissions of flexible range and compliant ISFs for all LCL / FCL shipments. Validate ISF data submitted for accuracy and timeliness.
• Use ACE on a regular basis for entry reporting, Trade Remedies, statements, ISF progress, as well as for analyzing available data for other reconciliation purposes.
• Generate revenue / statements reports in ACE, validate the entry information and, with Sr. Manager's approval, provide the Accounting Department with duty accruals and Periodic Monthly Statements; approve payments to CBP through ACH and monitor for their proof of payment.
• Participate in inventory cycle counts results calls with the FTZ and oversee correct reporting of all approved adjustments.
• Participate and run, where needed the weekly conference calls with brokers and forwarders.
• With Sr. Manager's approval, review, update and implement existing or new procedures with freight forwarders and brokers for any new lanes.
• Oversee and review FTZ destruction process (CF216)
• Code and approve invoices through the Dolphin system, ensuring all billing (for freight, brokerage, duties, taxes and other charges from CBP, freight forwarders and brokers) is correct and matching approved rates and deferred fees.
• Provide pricing information to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, when required.
• Supervise the maintenance of Import and Export document files in accordance with Federal regulations and Company policy (i.e. Recordkeeping).
• Together with the Sr. Import/Export Manager, active participant in company's ISA review, with preparation of yearly ISA Audit and responsible for making and implementing all necessary process updates in accordance with the results outlined in the Annual Notification Letter.
• Maintain knowledge of market and industry trends by reviewing Informed Compliance Publications and by participating in Trade related conferences, industry training sessions and / or Customs compliance webinars / seminars.
• Work outside of regularly scheduled hours of operation, as needed, in order to fulfill essential functions and responsibilities.
  
  

Ancillary Responsibilities

• File documents into Department common drive.
• Create and maintain own task flow desk procedures
• Assist Sr. Manager with creation and implementation of broker and freight forwarder SOPs.
• Assist department with monitoring of delivery orders and tracking shipments.
• Train department's staff on supporting import tasks.
• All other duties as required or needed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 8 years Import/Export management experience.
• B.A. Logistics or Supply Chain Management preferred
• Broker's License
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel & Power Point)
• SAP, DOLPHIN, ACE.
• Licensed Customs Broker / Strong Knowledge of Import clearance process.
• Established experience in dealing with freight forwarders and carriers
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent verbal, quantitative and interpersonal skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Analytical and detail oriented
• Work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work outside of regularly scheduled work hours as needed