Senior Import and Logistics Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:- The Senior Import and Logistics Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational management of the Company's importation, international logistics, customs clearance, freight forwarding, transit operations, trade finance, and supply chain activities. The position ensures the timely, cost-effective, and compliant importation and delivery of vehicles, automotive spare parts, electric vehicles (EVs), CKD/SKD kits, workshop equipment, batteries, tires, lubricants, accessories, and other automotive products required for the Company's operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Import Management

• Develop and implement annual import and logistics strategies aligned with the Company's business objectives.

• Lead the importation of vehicles, automotive spare parts, accessories, batteries, tires, lubricants, workshop equipment, EV components, and CKD/SKD kits, etc.

• Prepare annual import plans and shipment schedules based on sales forecasts and inventory requirements.

• Ensure uninterrupted availability of products and materials through effective planning and coordination.

• Monitor global supply chain trends and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Advise senior management on import-related risks, opportunities, and strategic initiatives

Banking, Trade Finance and Foreign Currency Management

• Manage all foreign currency applications and import financing activities.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with commercial banks and regulatory authorities.
• Coordinate and manage:
  • Letters of Credit (LC)
  • Telegraphic Transfers (TT)
  • Cash Against Documents (CAD)
  • Documentary Collections
  • Advance Payments
  • Supplier Credit Facilities, etc
• Ensure compliance with National Bank of Ethiopia directives and banking regulations.
• Monitor foreign currency utilization and optimize allocation efficiency.
• Prepare foreign currency forecasts and import financing plans.

Customs Compliance and Clearance Management

• Lead all customs clearance activities and ensure timely release of imported goods.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian Customs Commission regulations and procedures.
• Review and verify all import documentation
• Coordinate with customs clearing agents and regulatory authorities.
• Resolve customs disputes, valuation issues, and clearance bottlenecks.
• Monitor changes in customs laws and ensure organizational compliance

Logistics and Transit Management

• Manage end-to-end international and domestic logistics operations.
• Coordinate sea freight, air freight, multi-modal and unimodal transportation, and inland logistics activities.
• Monitor shipment movements from supplier facilities or/and port of loading to company warehouses.
• Supervise freight forwarders, shipping lines, transport providers, and logistics service partners.
• Optimize freight costs and transportation routes.
• Ensure timely delivery of imported goods to designated warehouses and branches.
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate logistics disruptions and delays.

Supplier and International Partner Management

• Develop and maintain strong business relationships with international suppliers, manufacturers, freight forwarders, and logistics partners.
• Negotiate contracts, shipping terms, pricing structures, and service agreements.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives.
• Conduct supplier reviews and ensure adherence to contractual obligations.

Inventory and Supply Chain Coordination

• Collaborate with Sales, Aftersales, Parts, Warehouse, Finance, and Operations Departments.
• Ensure accurate demand forecasting and inventory planning.
• Monitor stock availability and inventory turnover.
• Minimize stock shortages, excess inventory, and obsolete stock.
• Support implementation of supply chain optimization initiatives

Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with importation, transportation, customs clearance, and supply chain operations.
• Ensure adequate cargo insurance coverage.
• Establish effective internal controls and compliance mechanisms.
• Develop risk mitigation and business continuity plans

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop Import and Logistics Department personnel.
• Establish departmental KPIs and performance targets.
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching sessions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards

Qualification and Skills

Education

• Master's Degree  in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Business, Business Administration, Business Management, Economics or related fields

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in import, logistics, international trade, customs, freight forwarding, and supply chain management.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior managerial position.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale import and logistics operations.
• Experience in automotive dealership operations, vehicle assembly plants, automotive spare parts distribution, heavy equipment dealerships, or multinational trading companies is highly preferred

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in:

• Ethiopian Customs Commission Regulations.
• National Bank of Ethiopia Directives.
• International Trade and Commerce.
• Import and Export Procedures.
• Foreign Currency Management.
• Trade Finance and Letter of Credit Administration.
• Freight Forwarding and Shipping Management.
• Transit and Port Operations.
• Incoterms 2020.
• International Procurement.
• Supply Chain Planning.
• Inventory Management.
• ERP Systems and Logistics Software.
• Contract Administration.
• Risk Management.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Import Lead Time Performance.
• Customs Clearance Efficiency.
• Foreign Currency Utilization Effectiveness.
• Shipment Delivery Accuracy.
• Logistics Cost Reduction.
• Freight Cost Optimization.
• Inventory Availability.
• Supplier Performance Ratings.
• Compliance Audit Results.
• Departmental Performance Achievement

How To Apply

Applicants who meet the required qualifications for the Senior Import and Logistics Manager position are invited to apply using the link below.

“ https://forms.gle/BAazffhMTsfhx3797 ”