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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Importer

💰 $ - $

LogisticsSupply ChainImport/ExportTrade Compliance

🎯 Role Definition

An Importer is responsible for managing end-to-end inbound logistics, customs clearance, and import compliance to ensure timely, cost-effective receipt of goods. The role requires detailed management of import documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin), tariff classification (HTS), duty and tax calculation, coordination with freight forwarders and carriers, and proactive resolution of shipment issues. The ideal candidate combines strong knowledge of customs regulations and Incoterms with practical experience in ERP/EDI systems, freight rate negotiation, and cross-functional stakeholder communication.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Import Clerk / Customs Entry Clerk
  • Logistics Coordinator / Shipping Coordinator
  • Freight Forwarder Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Import Specialist → Import Manager
  • Trade Compliance Manager / Customs Broker
  • Supply Chain Manager → Logistics Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Export Coordinator
  • Freight Forwarder / NVOCC Operations
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Customs Brokerage Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare, review and manage all import documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, permits, and phytosanitary certificates to ensure complete and accurate customs entry filings and carrier compliance.
  • Classify goods using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and determine appropriate duty rates, quotas, and valuation methods to accurately calculate landed cost and minimize duty exposure.
  • File and manage electronic imports filings such as ISF (10+2), ACE/AES transmissions, and customs entry summaries, ensuring timely submission and adherence to government agency deadlines.
  • Coordinate with freight forwarders, carriers, and NVOCCs to schedule bookings, confirm vessel/voyage details, arrange inland transportation and ensure timely delivery to distribution centers or bonded facilities.
  • Manage customs clearance processes with customs brokers and government agencies (customs, USDA, FDA, EPA, or relevant authorities) to obtain release and avoid demurrage, detention, or cargo holds.
  • Negotiate freight rates, accessorial charges and service terms with ocean, air and inland carriers and third-party logistics providers to reduce landed cost while maintaining service levels.
  • Maintain and update import compliance programs, policies and SOPs (standard operating procedures), including recordkeeping requirements, audit trails and retention schedules for customs documentation.
  • Monitor shipments in transit using carrier portals, EDI tracking feeds and TMS/ERP systems, proactively identify exceptions, and coordinate corrective actions to prevent delays.
  • Manage and resolve claims for lost, damaged or delayed shipments with carriers and insurers, preparing required documents and following up to ensure timely settlements.
  • Conduct regular supplier and vendor audits related to origin, labeling, packaging and documentation accuracy to ensure compliance with trade regulations and free trade agreement requirements.
  • Calculate landed cost analyses including duties, taxes, freight, insurance and handling to support purchasing, pricing and inventory valuation decisions.
  • Implement and maintain trade preference and free trade agreement documentation (e.g., certificates of origin) to optimize tariff benefits and validate product eligibility.
  • Partner with procurement, warehouse and finance teams to reconcile import invoices, verify freight bills, apply duty payments and resolve billing discrepancies.
  • Prepare and support customs audits and government inspections by compiling import entries, transactional records and proof of compliance to minimize financial and operational risk.
  • Maintain accurate import master data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) including supplier profiles, tariff codes, Incoterms and landed cost components, and ensure EDI connectivity for automated workflows.
  • Ensure compliance with security programs (e.g., C-TPAT, AEO) by implementing required carrier and supplier vetting procedures and maintaining up-to-date security documentation.
  • Monitor regulatory changes, trade policy updates and tariff actions, advise stakeholders on implications, and update internal controls to maintain ongoing compliance.
  • Oversee bonded warehouse and temporary importation procedures including inward processing relief, temporary admissions, and duty deferral where applicable.
  • Review and validate commercial invoices and supplier declarations for accuracy of value, quantity, unit of measure and country of origin to reduce risk of classification and valuation errors.
  • Manage inventory receipts and perform import-related reconciliation with warehouse operations to ensure accurate stock records and timely put-away of imported goods.
  • Support product compliance activities such as labeling, country-of-origin marking and import permits to avoid customs holds and regulatory fines.
  • Develop and track import KPIs including on-time release, cost per TEU, duty payment timelines, demurrage/detention costs and documentation accuracy to drive continuous improvement.
  • Train and mentor junior import staff and cross-functional teams on import procedures, regulatory requirements and system usage to build internal capability.
  • Liaise with legal and compliance teams on complex trade issues including anti-dumping, countervailing duties and sanction screening to mitigate corporate risk.
  • Manage vendor compliance programs related to packaging, palletization and consolidation instructions to optimize container utilization and reduce transport costs.
  • Lead cross-functional root cause analyses for recurring import problems and implement preventive actions, process improvements and automation opportunities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist procurement and planning teams with inbound lead-time optimization and supplier performance reporting.
  • Support periodic process improvement projects, Lean initiatives and cost-savings programs related to inbound logistics.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Import documentation & customs entry preparation (commercial invoices, packing lists, B/L, CO, permits).
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and duty/tariff calculation.
  • Electronic filing systems: ACE/AES, ISF (10+2), remote filing platforms and customs broker interfaces.
  • Incoterms knowledge (FOB, CIF, DDP, EXW) and international trade terms impact on cost and responsibility.
  • Freight management and carrier negotiation for ocean, air and intermodal shipments.
  • Landed cost modeling, landed cost tools and cost-to-serve calculations.
  • ERP and TMS experience (SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, Manhattan) and EDI transaction management.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Power Query) and familiarity with reporting/BI tools.
  • Trade compliance frameworks: C-TPAT, AEO, export controls, embargo/sanctions screening.
  • Claims handling, cargo insurance knowledge and incident investigation.
  • Certificate of Origin, preferential trade program administration and free trade agreement documentation.
  • Knowledge of regulatory agencies relevant to imports (e.g., CBP, USDA, FDA, EPA) and their filing requirements.
  • Warehouse and inventory reconciliation processes related to inbound shipments.
  • Experience with customs audits and remediation, recordkeeping and compliance reporting.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and classification.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication with internal stakeholders, carriers and suppliers.
  • Negotiation skills for freight rate and service contract discussions.
  • Problem-solving and analytical mindset to diagnose shipment exceptions and cost variances.
  • Time management and the ability to prioritize multiple shipments under tight deadlines.
  • Collaboration and stakeholder management across procurement, warehouse, finance and legal teams.
  • Adaptability to regulatory changes and dynamic global supply chain conditions.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement orientation (process optimization, automation).
  • Accountability and ethics in managing compliance-sensitive information.
  • Customer-service focus when working with internal customers and external partners.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrable import/logistics experience; or
  • Associate degree in logistics, supply chain, or business.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Logistics, or a related field.
  • Professional certifications such as Licensed Customs Broker, Certified Import Specialist, or CSCMP trainings are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • International Trade / International Business
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Customs Brokerage

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressive import operations experience, depending on role level (Entry to Senior).

Preferred:

  • 3+ years managing import operations, customs entries and freight coordination.
  • Demonstrated experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders and ERP/TMS systems.
  • Proven track record in landed cost analysis, tariff classification and import compliance.
  • Experience with specific regulatory regimes (e.g., U.S. CBP, EU customs) if role is region-specific.
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