Import Team Lead

POSITION OVERVIEW

As the Import Team Lead, you will play a fundamental role in leading and managing our import operations team in the customs brokerage and freight forwarding. This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge of import processes, international movement of cargo, freight quotations, customs regulations, and compliance. The Import Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the team's day-to-day activities, ensuring efficient and compliant importation of goods for our clients, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Team Leadership:

· Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of import specialists and support staff.

· Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to ensure their success and professional growth.

· Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

· Properly manage scheduling for import team members and assist in performance evaluations. 

2. Customs Compliance Management:

· Oversee all aspects of customs compliance within the import team, ensuring strict adherence to customs regulations, tariff classifications, and documentation requirements.

· Monitor and enforce compliance with import-related laws and regulations.

3. Freight Forwarding:

· Oversee all aspects of freight forwarding within the import team.

· Assist with the movement of freight and quotations as needed.

· Communicate with overseas agents and vendors. 

4. Strategic Planning:

· Collaborate with management to develop and implement strategic plans for the import department.

· Set clear goals and objectives for the team to achieve long-term success.

5. Client Engagement:

· Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, providing exceptional customer service.

· Address complex client inquiries, concerns, and provide strategic guidance on import operations.

6. Customs Documentation Review:

· Review and approve import documentation prepared by team members, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customs regulations.

7. Customs Clearance Leadership:

· Manage and supervise the customs clearance process for a wide range of imported goods.

· Ensure proper tariff classifications and coordination with customs authorities.

8. Problem Resolution:

· Address and resolve complex import-related challenges, including customs delays, documentation discrepancies, or transportation issues.

· Provide expert guidance and support to team members in resolving issues and escalating as needed. 

9. Accounting: 

· Responsible for properly billing clients and vetting payments to vendors according to company policy and provides other accounting functions as needed. 

10. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations:

· Foster and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

· Facilitate the import process and resolve high-level issues.

11. Reporting and Analytics:

· Analyze import-related reports, such as clearance statuses and compliance records.

· Use data-driven insights to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making.

12. Continuous Improvement:

· Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the import department.

· Implement best practices and contribute to the ongoing improvement of operations.

· Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the import team through training and performance development. 

13. Regulatory Compliance:

· Ensure that the import team adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

· Stay informed about changes and updates in customs and international trade regulations.

14. Time Management: 

· Ability to handle high volumes and multiple accounts at one time, including serving as a back up to other import roles.

15. Development: 

Contribute to knowledge sharing by training team members and developing, maintaining, and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Education:

· High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as international trade, business administration, logistics, or a related discipline is a plus. Advanced degrees or certifications can be advantageous.

2. Import Experience:

· A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in import operations, demonstrating expertise in managing complex import processes such as freight forwarding, customs clearance, and compliance.

3. Customs Compliance Expertise:

· Exceptional knowledge of customs regulations, import procedures, and compliance requirements.

· Mastery of relevant government agencies' regulations and procedures.

4. Leadership Skills:

· Proven leadership abilities, including experience in leading and managing a team of import specialists and support staff.

· Ability to inspire and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

5. Client Engagement:

· Strong client engagement skills, including the ability to act as a senior point of contact for key clients.

· Capability to provide exceptional customer service, address complex client inquiries, and offer strategic guidance on import operations.

6. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

· Strong problem-solving skills and the capability to handle complex import-related challenges.

· Informed decision-making abilities to resolve high-level issues effectively.

7. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations:

· Proven ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders.

· Facilitation of the import process and resolution of high-level issues.

8. Reporting and Analytics:

· Advanced skills in generating and analyzing import-related reports, using data-driven insights to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making.

9. Continuous Improvement:

· A commitment to identifying opportunities for process enhancements within the import department.

· Implementation of best practices and contribution to the ongoing improvement of operations.

10. Regulatory Compliance:

· Ensuring that the import team adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

· Stay informed about changes and updates in customs and international trade regulations.

11. Software Proficiency:

· Proficiency in customs clearance software and advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). CargoWise proficiency and Specialist certification required.

12. Customs Broker License (Preferred):

· While not always required, a customs broker license is often preferred and can be a significant advantage.

13. Relevant Certifications (Optional):

Possession of relevant certifications, such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), or other advanced certifications in international trade and customs brokerage.