About the Role
The Import & Export Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all import, export, customs clearance, and logistics activities related to raw materials, equipment, finished products, intra-zone transfers, and re-exports. The role ensures compliance with Egyptian customs regulations and SCZone requirements while optimizing logistics costs, ensuring timely cargo clearance, and minimizing operational risks.
Responsibilities
- Manage all import and export operations, including raw materials, production equipment, finished products, intra-zone transfers, and re-exports, in compliance with applicable SCZone regulations and customs procedures.
- Review and verify import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other relevant documents.
- Oversee HS code classification and ensure the accurate preparation and submission of ACI/ACID declarations, Nafeza filings, COI documentation, and other required customs declarations and certificates.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and other logistics service providers to ensure efficient customs clearance and cargo delivery.
- Coordinate with SCZone authorities, Egyptian Customs, GAFI, ports, and other relevant government entities regarding import and export procedures, inspections, cargo detention, and regulatory requirements.
- Handle customs clearance exceptions, including cargo inspections, documentation discrepancies, shipment delays, and cargo detention, ensuring timely resolution.
- Establish, implement, and continuously improve import and export procedures, internal controls, and documentation workflows.
- Monitor and control freight charges, customs clearance expenses, port storage, demurrage, and detention costs to improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenses.
- Maintain accurate import and export records, shipment tracking reports, customs clearance records, and logistics cost databases.
- Monitor changes in Egyptian customs legislation, SCZone regulations, and relevant import and export policies, and assess their impact on business operations.
- Identify and mitigate import and export compliance risks, ensuring that all transactions are supported by complete and accurate documentation.
- Coordinate with internal departments, including Procurement, Finance, Warehouse, Production, and Supply Chain, to ensure smooth material flow and timely delivery.
- Prepare regular reports on shipment status, customs clearance performance, logistics costs, compliance issues, and operational risks.
- Lead, guide, and supervise the Import & Export team, ensuring clear task allocation, effective performance, and continuous capability development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or above in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in import and export operations, customs clearance, and logistics management.
- Hands-on experience with SCZone procedures and operations is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Egyptian customs regulations, ACI/ACID declarations, Nafeza, COI requirements, HS code classification, and customs clearance procedures.
- Experience in chemical, industrial, or manufacturing companies is an advantage.
- Native Arabic speaker with fluent English communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and experienced in preparing operational reports and maintaining logistics databases.
- Good understanding of shipping documentation, international trade procedures, and letters of credit.
- Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage government inspections, urgent shipments, customs clearance exceptions, and other time-sensitive operational issues.
Required Skills
- Import & Export Operations Management
- Egyptian Customs and SCZone Compliance
- Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding
- Logistics Cost Control
- Risk Assessment and Problem-Solving
- Team Leadership and Coordination
- Documentation Accuracy and Process Improvement
- Stakeholder and Government Relations
