Import Specialist

Purpose of the Job

The imports manager is responsible for the complete process of import and documentation of finished goods and other material into India. The incumbent must liaise with the planning team on the arrival plan for the next 3 months. He has to work with regional Logistics to ensure that new product launches are supported and arrivals are in line with the set timelines. He has to ensure the updation of VISIT material in SAP and plan the movements and arrivals of the same. He has to work with our appointed customs agent and transporters to ensure that the process of clearance is smooth and 100% compliant. There has to be a strong cost focus towards clearing and movement of product and VISIT material. Additional knowledge of experience with working with different ports in India is necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Manage Customs, operational activities related to imports.; Manage custom bonded warehouse operation.; Manage commercial functions including Custom Act, Special Valuation, Allied Acts, Import / Export Procedures, Custom Clearance Rules & Regulations; Import documentation for sea & air consignments.; Obtain B/L, Invoices & related documents from supplier, check them and forward to CHA for clearance of consignments.; Check correctness of checklist provided by CHA & issue customs duty in specific time period.; Coordination with various departments & bodies under government of India like SVB, SIIB, CIU, FSSAI & DRI.; Co-ordination with shipping line.; All imports (FG + POSM). Ensure all clearance as per compliance & company TAT.; Keep all updates related to customs regulations & changes in process. Align business operations to new regulations and trade practices.; Handle insurance products like marine, inert depot plus claims on shipping line and insurance agencies.; Ability to re-export rejected cargo and carry out destruction under customs supervision.; Handle SVB renewal & refund; Manage FSSAI requirement in import clearance.; Adapt operations to new regulations of FSSAI.; Coordinate with regulatory bodies for all requirements.; Handle duty free consignments.; Achieve customs waiver on testing.; All import clearance in planned budget for the year.; Expertise in budget planning, fund flow coordination, provisions, vendor bill management, vendor account reco.; Coordinate & ensure on time payments to international vendors for POSM; Manage CARNET shipments; Manage import of samples; Ensure timely claim of Export benefits from Govt. like SAD Refund and benefits under foreign trade policy; Manage imports under FTA.; Monthly field samples collection and submission for testing.; On time & correct submission of quality reports to HQ.; QC for all imports. Establish QC process & feedback mechanism.; Support in tender, negotiate, contract, and engage vendors on CHA; Support in tender, negotiate, contract, and engage vendors on port to warehouse transportation; Manage CFS vendors at competitive terms and rates; Engage on new ports of import development and build capabilities for testing and clearance; Take up process enhancement projects, develop/implement SOP’s, and optimize costs through efficiency.; Reduce costs by discussion with CFS, reduction in detention & demurrage cost.; Manage Dashboard to report key business parameters to company.; Strengthen MIS reporting for better visibility & availability of key data points.; Ensure that costs are in line with global commitments and verification of all bills is complete and accurate; Ownership of complete costs of import, global transport, clearance and port transport; Interact with principal on performance parameters on imports.; Manage processes for procurement of new products, VISIT material, merchandise by sea and air

Requirements

University Degree (Engineering, Business Administration, etc.).; Specialized qualifications in Customs, import and export.; A least 7-8 years of previous work experience in Customs, Supply Planning and quality management ideally in an FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) environment or F&B company in national role.; Experience of working within an international supply chain in a group context.; Deep understanding of custom laws, FTAs, SVB, FSSAI regulations.; Strong project management skills with full appreciation of the ‘big picture’, without losing sight of the detail and with the commitment to deliver quality results.; Strong team player, driven, ambitious whilst ‘inclusive’ in approach.; Process oriented with a holistic view of processes and experience in change management projects.; Relationship builder with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.; Solution, Quality and Service oriented. Extremely cost conscious; Fluent in written and spoken English.; Custom rules & regulations.; Hands on person who also has the passion for details.; Is experienced in liaisoning with government authorities.; Good skills in all MS products (Excel, Word, Power Point) is a must, Access is a plus.; Knowledge of SAP R/3, SAP APO and BI is a plus.; Strong negotiation skills.