Import Export Specialist

Purpose:

To lead, coordinate, and oversee all import and export activities within the organization, ensuring compliance with global trade regulations and AkzoNobel’s policies & HSE & S. To serve as the subject-matter expert and first-line supervisor, responsible for optimizing cost efficiency, mitigating trade risks, and maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Coordination

• Lead and supervise daily import/export operations and assign tasks to Grades 7–8 officers.

• Ensure all shipping documents and customs declarations are accurate and compliant.

• Review and approve import/export documents and payment requests.

2. Strategic and Operational Management

• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and risk mitigation.

• Analyse import/export data and prepare management reports on performance, cost, and compliance metrics.

• Ensure adherence to trade compliance, sanctions regulations, and internal control procedures.

3. External and Internal Liaison

• Manage relationships with customs authorities, freight forwarders, and government agencies.

• Support internal departments (procurement, finance, operations) to align logistics strategies.

• Represent the company during audits, trade inspections, and regulatory meetings.

4. Staff Development and Training

• Mentor and train team members to enhance technical and operational competencies.

• Evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to junior staff.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree of any discipline preferred International Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related discipline.

• Fluent in English

• Experience: 5–8 years of progressive experience in import/export operations with supervisory duties.

• Expert knowledge of trade laws, customs regulations, and documentation standards.

• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• High proficiency in ERP systems and trade compliance software.

• Strategic planning and cost optimization mindset.