Lead Imports

This role is integral to the I&C team in Logistics, focusing on strategic research and compliance for the Distribution & Projects business. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive research on import and export laws, tariffs, and licenses, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations. The role involves designing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the import department, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements.

The role will oversee the entire import process, including Letters of Credit (LC), logistics, and customs clearance, for all Distribution and Project related business units. Developing and implementing transport strategies that optimize organizational and user needs, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, is a crucial part of the job. Utilizing personal judgment and initiative to devise innovative solutions to challenges in import activities and procedures is essential.

Anticipating and researching future changes in import/export laws and local practices, ensuring timely communication and strategic planning within the department, is a key responsibility. This role will represent the organization in customs hearings, collaborate with legal consultants, and coordinate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Driving the implementation of global best practices, transitioning manual processes to ERP-based solutions for enhanced efficiency and automation, is a vital aspect of this role.

The role will be focusing on strategic planning allowing for minimization of import related costs including Demurrage and Detention without any delays to the cargo delivery timelines. Furthermore, this role will also explore additional opportunities of Zero-Freight ports from where requirements of users can be fulfilled to help optimize the overall costs associated with importing of any material from abroad.

Purpose
This role is integral to the I&C team in Logistics, focusing on strategic research and compliance for the Distribution & Projects business. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive research on import and export laws, tariffs, and licenses, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations. The role involves designing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the import department, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and legal requirements. The role will oversee the entire import process, including Letters of Credit (LC), logistics, and customs clearance, for all business units. Developing and implementing transport strategies that optimize organizational and user needs, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, is a crucial part of the job. Utilizing personal judgment and initiative to devise innovative solutions to challenges in import activities and procedures is essential.

Anticipating and researching future changes in import/export laws and local practices, ensuring timely communication and strategic planning within the department, is a key responsibility. This role will represent the organization in customs hearings, collaborate with legal consultants, and coordinate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Driving the implementation of global best practices, transitioning manual processes to ERP-based solutions for enhanced efficiency and automation, is a vital aspect of this role.The role will be focusing on strategic planning allowing for minimization of import related costs including Demurrage and Detention without any delays to the cargo delivery timelines. Furthermore, this role will also explore additional opportunities of Zero-Freight ports from where requirements of users can be fulfilled to help optimize the overall costs associated with importing of any material from abroad.

Required Education & Experience
Bachelors, preferably Masters, in Logistics/Supply Chain or relevant business discipline

Minimum 07 years of relevant experience, preferably with 3 years of experience dealing directly with import agencies and authorities.

Experience with customs clearance operations and documentation procedures.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement import strategies to optimize supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Knowledge & Skills

• ICC rules
• UCP 600
• SBP policies
• Custom rules and regulation
• Project Management
• Shipping rules
• Hands on SAP experience is preferred

1
Strategic Import Planning and Automation

• Formulate and execute import strategies that align with organizational objectives, emphasizing cost optimization, lead time reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
• Conduct gap analyses to refine and update import and export processes, ensuring they meet current and future needs.
• Identify and address gaps to enhance the selection criteria for customs brokers and freight forwarders, ensuring optimal partnerships.
• Develop and implement vendor KPIs to improve control and monitoring through systematic approaches.
• Continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of import processes, pinpointing areas for improvement and implementing strategic changes to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance.
• Drive the automation of import processes by integrating ERP-based solutions, enhancing overall operational efficiency and real time visibility.

2
Business Operations and Continuity

• Ensure compliance with local and international laws, regulations, and customs requirements related to imports. This includes staying current with changes in import regulations, tariff codes, and documentation requirements.
• Supervise the preparation, verification, and maintenance of import documents such as shipping invoices, bills of lading, customs declarations, and import licenses. Ensure accurate and timely submission of goods declarations to customs for clearance.
• Collaborate with the team, customs brokers, and freight forwarders to facilitate the smooth and timely clearance of imported goods through customs. Provide necessary support in resolving any customs-related issues or inquiries that may arise.
• Explore potential options to claim duty benefits.
• Analyze import costs, including transportation, duties, taxes, and fees, to identify areas for cost optimization.
• Review and approve material landed cost sheets before order placement.
• Conduct research on international markets, trade regulations, and emerging trends to identify potential opportunities or risks. Provide insights and recommendations to management regarding new sourcing strategies or market expansions.
• Coordinate with consultants and the legal team.

3
Compliance

• Identifying potential risks associated with import operations, such as supply chain disruptions, port congestion, trade compliance issues, and regulatory changes and restrictions. Implementing necessary measures to minimize the impact of such risks on the company.
• Oversee compliance with customs laws, regulations, and procedures related to import. Stay up-to-date with changes in import regulations and tariffs, and implement necessary measures to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.
• Ensure organized records is being maintained that meets legal and internal requirements.

4
Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with international suppliers and vendors to establish efficient import processes, resolve issues, and negotiate favourable terms.
• Evaluate and select reliable Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other service providers.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as procurement, transport, business, and finance teams, to align import activities with overall business objectives.
• Establish relationships with government agencies, customs authorities, and trade organizations to stay informed and influence relevant policies.
• Identifying potential suppliers and conducting thorough evaluations to assess their reliability, product quality, pricing, and delivery capabilities. Negotiating favorable terms and conditions with suppliers to optimize import operations.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and other relevant stakeholders. Conducting regular performance evaluations of vendors and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise