The job of Import Manager is a significant role within an organisation, involving activities engaged in the planning, storing and distribution of materials or products on behalf of the company or its clients. This role can be compared to the role of a Storage or Distribution Manger.
The Import Manager has a very varied role and requires someone who is extremely well organised and familiar with how a business operates. Working as an Import Manager also requires someone with an outgoing personality and capable of negotiating with external agencies and maintaining business relationship.
What does an Import Manager job description include?
- An Import Manager supervises and manages a team of people, which will include organising work schedules and issuing shipping instructions to ensure delivery times and locations are co-ordinated. This will also include track and trace management so as to monitor goods at all times.
- You will also be responsible for recruitment and training of staff.
- The Import Manager’s job includes responsible for managing department budgets and may also be involved in setting targets in association with other senior managers.
- As Import Manager you will also be responsible for health and safety and expected to maintain safety manuals, inspect physical conditions of warehouses, equipment (including the training on the proper use of equipment), fleet vehicles, repairs or replacements as and when required.
- You will be responsible for all customer complaints and expected to be able to negotiate claims. Customer care is a vital part of this role and so good interpersonal skills are very important.
- The Import Manager is expected to prepare reports on the performance of your department and suggest improvements that will enhance the company’s profit margins, as well as work closely with other senior department heads for the benefit of the company.
- Maintain records for accounting purposes in accordance with company procedures, including the checking of all invoices and shipping manifests for conformity to tariff and Customs regulations.
- The Import Manager also negotiates with carriers, warehouse operators or distribution networks to determine tariffs which should be in the interests of the company at all times.
Key skills and qualifications of an Import Manager?
- The preferred candidate would be educated to degree standard although significant previous experience in the role of Import Manager or a similar role may be sufficient.
- The Import Manager is expect to develop and maintain business relationships with both customers and suppliers and therefore you must be a good communicator and be able demonstrate strong negotiation skills.
- Good written communications skills are also very important as well as the ability to apply critical thinking skills and problem solving techniques.
- The Import Manager requires excellent time management skills and the ability to organise his own team effectively and efficiently. Being able to motivate and direct staff and identify the best people for the job.
- You must have a sound understanding of business finance and be able to analyse financial data and be able to apply mathematics to problem solve where applicable.
- A good Import Manager is decisive and able to make decisions at critical times and whilst under pressure. You must be able to lead a team and be sensitive to the needs of others’.
How to find more Import Manager jobs within the Freight Forwarding Industry:
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