Importation Manager

Role Overview

The Importation Manager oversees the comprehensive planning, coordination, and management of all import processes to guarantee the punctual, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of imported goods to the company's warehouse. This position ensures strict adherence to Nigerian customs laws while optimizing import lead times, stock availability, and costs.

Core Responsibilities

• Organize and monitor all incoming shipments from international vendors to ensure timely and complete deliveries.
• Track purchase orders from confirmation through to final receipt.
• Collaborate with freight forwarders, shipping agents, customs brokers, and transportation services.
• Handle essential import documentation including Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, Certificate of Origin, SONCAP, Form M, PAAR, among others.
• Guarantee full compliance with Nigerian Customs Service guidelines and manage regulatory requirements like Form M, PAAR, SON, NAFDAC certificates.
• Maintain effective communication with customs officials, agents, and relevant government bodies.
• Stay updated on changes in import regulations and inform internal teams accordingly.
• Ensure all applicable duties, taxes, and fees are correctly calculated and remitted.
• Partner with Buying and Supply Chain teams to forecast import demands and monitor supplier production and shipment schedules.
• Minimize inventory shortages and maintain optimal stock levels by efficient container use and shipment consolidation.
• Negotiate logistics and freight charges with service providers, analyze all import expenses including duties, freight, demurrage, and clearing fees.
• Identify and implement measures to decrease logistics expenses and enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with international suppliers and coordinate with merchandising, finance, warehouse, and customs clearing agents.
• Address and resolve delays or supply chain issues expediently.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators such as shipment punctuality, customs clearance times, import costs, container usage, demurrage charges, and supplier performance.
• Prepare regular reports for management review.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related disciplines.
• Professional certifications such as CILT, APICS/ASCM are advantageous.
• Between 5 to 8 years’ experience in import/export functions, with a minimum of 3 years within retail, supermarket, FMCG, or distribution sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of Nigerian import requirements, customs procedures, and international shipping processes.

Skill Set

• Expertise in import operations and customs compliance.
• Management of international logistics and understanding of Incoterms.
• Inventory forecasting and supplier relationship management.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with ERP software like Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, or SAP, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Performance Indicators

• Availability and on-time delivery of imported products.
• Lead times for customs clearance.
• Import costs per shipment container and minimization of demurrage/detention fees.
• Compliance rates of import documentation and stock-out frequencies.
• Accuracy of import demand forecasts.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager.
• Collaborates with Buying, Merchandising, Finance, Warehousing, Distribution, Quality Assurance, and Store Operations teams.