Import Coordinator

1/ Principal Accountabilities:

Job Summary

The Import Coordinator manages and coordinates the complete import process, ensuring compliance with banking and customs requirements, timely shipment execution, and effective financial coordination. The role acts as the main link between suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, banks, and internal finance teams to ensure smooth import operations while minimizing delays, penalties, and additional costs.

Key Responsibilities

Import Documentation & Compliance

• Manage, review, and verify all import documentation to ensure compliance with customs regulations, banking requirements, and company procedures.

• Coordinate the preparation and availability of required import documents before shipment arrival to ensure timely customs clearance and avoid demurrage, detention, and penalty charges.

• Maintain accurate records of import documents, shipment files, and compliance requirements.

Payment & Financial Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor international payment processes with suppliers and financial institutions, including Letter of Credit (LC), Documentary Remittance, and bank transfers (TT).

• Manage payment follow-up for offshore suppliers and local customs forwarders in coordination with the Finance Department to ensure timely settlement of obligations.

• Support finance planning and budgeting activities by providing accurate forecasts of upcoming import-related payments, including supplier payments, freight costs, customs duties, and other related expenses.

Shipment Monitoring & Logistics Coordination

• Track shipments daily and monitor key milestones, including shipment status, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and potential delays.

• Coordinate with suppliers, forwarders, customs brokers, and internal teams to ensure shipments progress according to schedule.

• Proactively identify and resolve issues that may impact delivery timelines, customs clearance, or operational costs.

Reporting & KPI Management

• Provide regular updates on shipment status, documentation readiness, payment progress, and potential risks.

• Ensure import activities meet company KPIs related to customs compliance, document readiness, shipment timelines, and cost control.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize import processes and reduce operational risks.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in import operations, international trade, logistics, or supply chain management.

• Strong understanding of import documentation, customs procedures, and international payment methods.

• Knowledge of LC, Documentary Remittance, and international bank transfer processes.

• Strong coordination, organization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Detail-oriented with strong compliance and follow-up capabilities.

• Ability to communicate effectively with international suppliers, logistics partners, banks, and internal stakeholders.

    Sustainability: 

•      Be a role-model for safe and sustainable operations environment

•      Run daily planning DDS and ensure proper drive of Safety DMS actions & drumbea

•      Comply by all the Sustainability standards & rules and follow the instruction given by Sustainability team and managers 

•      Ensure proper management of the checklists & controls, when needed 

•      Ensure usage of necessary PPE  

•     Report near misses and risks    

2/ Additional Information

Knowledge Skills & Experience

•                           University degree from Engineering, Finance or Logistics diciplines

•                          Min 2 years’ experience in a FMCG / Banking / Forwarder / 3PL company of which experienced in the logistics and/or importation  will be an advantage

          Communication: 

•           Communication (written and verbal) and Inter-personal skills       

•        Fluent English knowledge for both written and verbal.

       Other:

•          Computer literacy (Excellent knowledge of MS Office

•           Decision making

•            Negotiating

•           Attention to detail

•          Good understanding of basic finance principles

     Key Success Factors:

•     On time issue&discharge of imported materials/autorizations/certificates

•     To keep good relationships with government agencies

•     OTIF delivery for needed documentation for importation

    Working Relationships :

    Internal :

•     Planning & Logistics

•      Operations & Commercial Finance

•     Direct Procurement

•   Production Engineering  & Engineering Tea

 External :

•   Suppliers