Import Manager – Ares Holdings

The Import Manager is a critical role in our organization that is responsible for overseeing the import of products from our international suppliers and partners. The Import Manager will work with and manage a team of professionals to ensure that all inbound shipments are handled efficiently and in compliance with international and domestic regulations. They will also be responsible for managing the inbound process from start to finish, from working with suppliers to finalising costings and ensuring timely deliveries to our distribution centre. The ideal candidate should have strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, as well as extensive experience in international trade, product costing, and customs regulations.

Responsibilities of Import Manager:

1. Manage inbound shipment activities, including customs clearance and documentation.
2. Develop and implement policies and procedures related to inbound shipments.
3. Monitor and analyse inbound data to identify compliance issues and take corrective actions.
4. Monitor and report on international trade trends and developments.
5. Liaise with freight forwarders and other third parties to ensure timely and accurate inbound processes and paperwork.
6. Prepare and submit required reports to internal and external stakeholders.
7. Monitor costings and all inbound SLAs daily, and establish controls to manage exceptions.
8. Solid understanding of INCO terms.
9. Review and verify import documentation, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading, to ensure accuracy and completeness.
10. Own the accuracy of the full delivery schedule for all brands.
11. Collaborate and communicate with all internal stakeholders regarding any exceptions regarding delays that may impact the order book.
12. Deploy lead time reduction strategies while managing inbound costs.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in import management, preferably in a logistics or international trade environment.
• In-depth knowledge of customs regulations, tariffs, and import/export compliance.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and negotiation abilities.
• Familiarity with import-related software and systems e.g. Purchase Order Management (POMS).

Attributes:

• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in documentation.
• Problem-solving skills in addressing customs and logistics challenges.
• Proactive approach to identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to the dynamic nature of international trade.
• Proven experience of leading a team.

• You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands
• Gym & Shower facilities
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga
• Pension Fund
• Medical aid with Gap cover
• Staff Allocation (R10 000 Retail Value per annum)
• Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group)
• Healthy Lunch subsidy
• Company performance incentive scheme
• Long-service incentives
• Holistic Employee Wellness programme
• The group prides itself in its effort to drive continuous employee engagement activities to enable a connected culture