Import Specialist

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Specialist, Import & International Transportation to join our Supply Chain team. The role is responsible for managing and optimizing international inbound transportation activities, including ocean freight and air freight operations, ensuring product availability while maintaining cost efficiency and service excellence.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate international inbound shipments via ocean and air freight. 

• Oversee the entire transportation process from booking through customs clearance and final delivery to the port. 

• Monitor shipment progress and proactively mitigate delays or supply risks. 

• Manage urgent and exception shipments based on business priorities. 

• Collaborate with freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines, customs brokers, and logistics service providers. 

• Ensure compliance with import regulations, customs requirements, and internal company policies. 

• Analyze transportation costs and identify opportunities for process optimization and cost savings. 

• Partner closely with Planning, Merchandising, Commercial, Finance, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams. 

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across transportation and import operations. 

 Key Relationships:

• Store Development
• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Marketing Team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Structured, organized and process orientated.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and under pressure
• Strong analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Fluent in English
• Advanced user of MS Office suite of products – esp. Excel, Access, PPT
• Dashboarding/Data Visualization experience a plus 

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. 

• Minimum 3 years of experience in international transportation, import operations, freight forwarding, or global logistics. 

• Proven experience managing ocean freight and air freight activities. 

• Strong understanding of customs regulations, international trade, and import processes. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP advantage). 

• Fluent English, both written and spoken. 

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.