HEAD OF OPERATIONS

We are looking for a Head of Import Operations for our client who will oversee the entire import process, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and optimizing logistics for efficient product delivery.

CLOSING DATE: 22ND AUGUST, 2024

PURPOSE HEAD OF IMPORT OPERATIONS

We are looking for a Head of Import Operations for our client. He/ She will oversee the entire import process, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations and optimizing logistics for efficient product delivery. In addition, he/ she will ensure realization of transactional and physical operations in line with customer requirements. He/she will be responsible to ensure adherence to compliance standards and Interface to Customs authorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer Relations Management
– Supports escalation processes (e.g. disputes with internal/ external customers).
– Create, implement, and/or track customer SOPs.
– Ensure respect for clearance/delivery lead times sold to customers.

Stake Holder Relations
– Directs and controls transactional, customs and handling
– Ensures that functional workflow models are in place between central Customs Teams and Trans Ops.
– Arrange pick-up/delivery with trucker or shipper, monitor subcontractor/supplier performance, and suggest improvement steps.
– Communicates with carriers by checking flight/shipping schedule details and rates; place bookings (back-to-back shipment)
– Communicates with overseas stations by sending/receiving alerts, order acceptance, obtaining rates, and giving the go-ahead for shipment collection.
– Create internal operations-related reports i.e. performance, file profitability, financial or management reports.

Process and performance Management
– Drives implementation of Operations strategy in the company .
– Sets, communicates, and follows KPIs to ensure constant improvement of Operations.
– Ensures budget management and monitoring
– Manage & control ground operations cost and COS (costs of sale) to increase GP
– Receive and prepare shipping, insurance, and letter of credit documents, match booking to warehouse on-hand receipt.
– Monitor shipments in transit and operational irregularities
– Conduct post-shipment activities by closing files, archiving, preparing/executing customer billing, issuing invoice corrections, billing related credit checks.

People Management
– Develop a high-performance service culture within the Export, Import, Customs, and Handling departments.
– Coordinates Customs Ops team in Operations activities.
– Manage Operations team performance reviews.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidates must have:

• Master’s degree in Transport and logistics or any related field
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience with 3 years at a Management position in the field of crate forwarding and logistics
• Fluent in the use of English/French
• Computer skills like Word, Excel, and PPT
• Extensive knowledge of AFR/OFR business, customs requirements, and operational processing of customs activities.
• Proven track record in people management roles (leadership, motivation, and people skills)
• Demonstrates strong communication capabilities
• Easily capable of making well-informed decisions
• Long-term experience and proven track record in the customs segment
• Brokerage license (if applicable)
• High degree of organizational skills
• Diligent attention to details