Import Division Head

KAKI PLC is an official dealer and assembler of ISUZU in Ethiopia. It is also engaged in different business lines including import, export, metal fabrication, after sales services, and cargo freight transport operations. The company wishes to employ a qualified professional for the Import Division Head position.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsible for managing import processes and activities to ensure that the vehicles spare- parts and commodities to be imported meet the required quality standard, and are purchased at a competitive price, and keep cost of foreign procurements low while maintaining all company policy and procedures and legal laws and regulations.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work together the Import Department Manager to plan, and implement the import activities of the company.
• Partner with the Import Department Manager to manage import related correspondences, credit collections, bid requests etc.
• Prepare and submit relevant documents for imported items such as pro forma invoice, application and bank documents, licenses, packing and commercial invoices, safety certificates etc. on time and ensure timely transfer of associated cash.
• Manage financial and currency processes and transactions in accordance with government laws and regulations, and optimizes cost effectiveness of import processes.
• Place purchase orders(s) or opens L/C for supplier(s) after receiving pro forma invoice as appropriate.
• Process all import steps with highest quality and accuracy; follows- up and expedite purchase processes to meet scheduled delivery date of purchased vehicles, spare parts, and merchandize goods.
• Liaise with suppliers, banks, shipping lines, insurance companies and other concerned government and private offices and handles all import related communications.
• Follow-up timely clearing of imported items from part(s) and customs and forwards to Bonded Ware House for a temporary storage.
• Ensure that shipping documents such as import license, product routing, shipping, packing and customs declarations are presented to the appropriate offices in an orderly manner.
• Maintain information about licenses and tariffs, restrictions etc.
• Develop and maintains effective communications with new and existing customers to negotiate contracts and explore business opportunities.
• Promote the interests of the company when interacting with governmental institutions, key customers, suppliers and commercial and trade organizations.
• Maintain records of products, code numbers, designs, pictures and specifications of all the items imported by the company.
• Monitor the import performance of competitors to ensure that the company maintains and develops its competitive position in collaboration with marketing research and intelligence division
• Ensure that foreign exchange permit is obtained, letter of credit is opened and import is performed accordingly.
• Ensure that bank, insurance, shipping, customs and other formalities necessary for the importing of goods are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the goods in transit are cleared from customs warehouse as soon as possible.
• Oversee that survey certificate is obtained for any damage or loss of goods and make claim as per insurance policy of the company.
• Guide and supports and motivates direct reports.
• Identify training needs of employees and recommends required training.
• Ensure good working relationships amongst employees and encourage team work and team spirit.
• Conduct employee performance appraisal periodically to evaluate how well employees have completed their duty and to take any needful action accordingly.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual reports for submission to the Manager, Import Department.

Required Number : 1(One)

Qualification : BA Degree in Marketing, or Supply Management related field

Work Experience : 8 years in relevant role

Required Competence : -

• Computer skill, excellent written and oral communication skills, English language proficiency
• Cross functional team, excellent mentoring, coaching skill
• Understanding of accounting or finance
• Strong business sense and industry expertise