Southwind Foods, a U.S. owned and operated company supplying our grocery, distributor, and food service customers the finest fresh and frozen responsibly harvested seafood from around the world, is seeking an experienced Import Operations Manager to join our team.
Job Description: We are seeking an Import Operations Manager who will play a critical role within our organization, ensuring the efficient and seamless delivery of imported products. This dynamic position involves more than just managing import operations; it requires a strategic and proactive leader capable of guiding a dedicated team towards achieving ambitious organizational goals. As our Import Operations Manager, you will be instrumental in navigating complex international trade processes, maintaining rigorous compliance standards, and optimizing operational workflows. Your leadership will ensure that our products are transported across borders smoothly, upholding the highest levels of operational excellence and regulatory adherence. This role is pivotal for sustaining our market reputation and supporting our growth in a competitive global landscape.
Responsibilities:
Team Management and Supervision:
- Supervise and guide the day-to-day activities of the Import Operations Associates to ensure efficient operation.
- Determine staffing requirements and lead the hiring and training processes to build a competent team.
- Plan, assign, and supervise daily work; provide ongoing feedback; conduct performance appraisals; address performance issues and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Establish clear performance metrics and support team members in achieving these goals through regular feedback and professional development opportunities.
Operational Oversight:
- Oversee and assist in daily import activities, ensuring all customs and finance documents are audited for accuracy.
- Manage the billing process, coordinate collections, and address billing issues promptly to maintain financial efficiency.
- Coordinate and monitor inbound bookings, customs release, and movement of goods to their final delivery points.
- Ensure all imported seafood complies with local, state, federal, and international regulations, including health certifications and customs requirements.
- Stay updated with changes in import laws and regulations that may affect the seafood industry.
- Maintain detailed status logs and records for container and air cargo shipments.
- Provide proactive information to the customer regarding arrival, delivery and shipment status.
Compliance and Communication:
- Ensure strict compliance with all relevant import regulations and laws, including Customs, USDA, FDA, etc., to prevent legal issues and penalties.
- Ensure all imported seafood complies with local, state, federal, and international regulations, including health certifications and customs requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all import regulations and documentation requirements.
- Stay updated with changes in import laws and regulations that may affect the seafood industry.
- Communicate effectively with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and vendors to facilitate on-time shipping and resolve any shipping exceptions or issues.
· Ensure compliance and efficient processing by collaborating closely with our Import Broker to file daily statutory customs ISFs (Importer Security Filing). Additionally, maintain consistent communication with the buying department to promptly communicate any changes in shipment timings, including early or late arrivals.
Problem Resolution:
- Report and address customer complaints and escalated shipping issues (such as delays, missing or damaged freight, strikes, etc.) in collaboration with management.
- Engage in proactive problem-solving to improve overall import efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with other internal departments, such as logistics, finance, and operations, to ensure timely and efficient service delivery.
Financial and Cost Management:
- Process approved vendor payments and duties promptly.
- Identify opportunities to reduce import costs through optimizing duties, minimizing transportation expenses, and negotiating better rates.
- Proactively identify and implement strategies to lower import costs - minimizing demurrage and per diem rates, optimizing customs duties, reducing transportation expenses, and negotiating favorable drayage rates.
- Generate regular reports on import activities, costs, and key performance indicators for senior management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant import and customs compliance experience.
- At least 3 years of people management experience.
- In-depth understanding of international import procedures, transportation, documentation, and shipping terms.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, especially under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, detail-oriented and well-organized.
- Proven experience in import operations, preferably in the food or seafood industry.
- Strong understanding of international trade regulations, shipping protocols, and customs procedures.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in ERP and inventory management software.
- Southwind Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $67,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Carson, CA 90810 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Carson, CA 90810: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person