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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Import Director

💰 $ - $

Supply ChainLogisticsInternational TradeOperationsLeadership

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned leader in international logistics with a passion for navigating the complexities of global trade? We are searching for a dynamic and strategic Import Director to take full ownership of our company's end-to-end import operations. In this critical leadership role, you will be the architect of our import strategy, responsible for ensuring the seamless, cost-effective, and compliant flow of goods from our international suppliers to our domestic distribution centers. You will lead a dedicated team, manage high-stakes relationships with customs brokers and freight forwarders, and continuously innovate our processes to support scalable growth. This is a high-visibility position that directly impacts our bottom line and operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Import Manager / Senior Import Manager
  • Global Trade Compliance Manager
  • Senior Logistics Manager

Advancement To:

  • Vice President of Global Logistics
  • Vice President of Supply Chain
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Global Sourcing
  • Director of Procurement
  • Export Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive global import strategy that aligns with corporate objectives, focusing on cost reduction, lead time optimization, and supply chain resilience.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of import specialists and managers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the import department, including landed cost analysis, on-time delivery metrics, customs clearance rates, and carrier performance scorecards.
  • Serve as the company's primary subject matter expert on all matters related to import logistics, U.S. Customs regulations, and international trade compliance, providing guidance to executive leadership.
  • Direct the end-to-end import logistics process, from factory departure to final warehouse delivery, for all modes of transport including ocean, air, and cross-border trucking.
  • Negotiate multi-million dollar contracts and manage relationships with key logistics partners, including freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean carriers, and drayage providers, to secure competitive rates and optimal service levels.
  • Ensure absolute compliance with all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, as well as the rules of other relevant Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) such as the FDA, USDA, and CPSC.
  • Oversee the company's Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, ensuring validation, adherence to all security criteria, and leveraging program benefits.
  • Manage and maintain the company's Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification database, ensuring accuracy, defending classification decisions, and identifying opportunities for duty mitigation.
  • Direct all customs-related activities, including entry filing, duty drawback programs, post-summary corrections (PSCs), and timely responses to CBP requests for information (CF28/CF29).
  • Stay abreast of evolving global trade laws, tariffs, sanctions, and trade agreements to proactively assess their impact on the business and adapt strategies accordingly.
  • Drive the optimization of the inbound transportation network to improve efficiency, reduce transit times, and lower overall landed costs through network analysis and strategic carrier allocation.
  • Develop and implement robust risk mitigation strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions, such as port congestion, labor strikes, geopolitical events, or carrier capacity shortages.
  • Partner closely with Sourcing and Procurement teams to provide logistics cost analysis and compliance guidance for new product introductions and international vendor selection.
  • Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of Global Trade Management (GTM) and supply chain visibility software to enhance operational efficiency and data analytics capabilities.
  • Manage the company's import compliance manual and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are current and effectively communicated across the organization.
  • Act as the primary liaison during government audits and inquiries related to import activities, managing the process professionally from start to finish.
  • Analyze and manage the payment of all duties, taxes, and fees associated with importation, constantly seeking opportunities for duty savings through programs like First Sale for Export or Free Trade Agreements.
  • Resolve complex logistical and compliance escalations, providing clear guidance and decisive action to prevent costly delays and financial penalties.
  • Collaborate with the finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate landed cost calculations, budget forecasting, and financial accruals for all import-related activities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the finance department in landed cost calculations and accruals for import-related expenses.
  • Provide training and guidance on import compliance best practices to other departments, such as procurement, product development, and finance.
  • Participate in cross-functional projects related to supply chain optimization, new market entry, or enterprise system integrations.
  • Represent the company in industry associations and trade groups to stay informed on trends and advocate for company interests.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • U.S. Customs Regulations: Expert-level knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR) and customs valuation principles.
  • Tariff Classification: High proficiency in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification across a wide range of commodities.
  • Licensed Customs Broker (LCB): LCB certification is strongly preferred and often required.
  • Incoterms: Deep knowledge of Incoterms 2020 and their strategic application in procurement and logistics.
  • Trade Programs: Hands-on experience managing and maintaining trade compliance programs such as C-TPAT, Duty Drawback, and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ).
  • Global Trade Management (GTM) Systems: Proficiency with GTM software (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, E2open, Descartes) for managing compliance and logistics.
  • International Logistics: Strong command of international freight forwarding operations for both ocean (FCL/LCL) and air cargo.
  • Data Analysis: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) and other data analysis tools for reporting and modeling.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Leadership: Ability to build and lead a high-caliber team, set a clear vision, and drive results.
  • Negotiation & Vendor Management: Proven track record of negotiating complex, high-value contracts and managing strategic partner performance.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: Exceptional ability to analyze complex data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex trade concepts to non-expert stakeholders.
  • Business Acumen: Strong understanding of financial principles (P&L, landed cost, budgeting) and how import operations impact overall business performance.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation, compliance, and process management to minimize risk.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain Management)

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Business
  • Logistics
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 10-15+ years of progressive experience in import operations, global trade compliance, or international logistics.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership or management capacity, with direct responsibility for an import/compliance team.
  • Demonstrable experience managing relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and ocean carriers.
  • Experience in a relevant industry (e.g., retail, consumer packaged goods, automotive, electronics) is highly advantageous.
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