Import/export Specialist

About Offshore Global Logistics

Offshore Global Logistics Ltd is a dynamic and innovative logistics and supply chain company whose operations span across the East African Region. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of end-to-end supply chain solutions by providing innovative, proactive, and cost-effective services to customers. Our success is driven by our talented and dedicated team of professionals who work together to achieve our goals.

About the job

A career in imports/Exports at Offshore Global Logistics offers a demanding role in all operations. The Imports/Exports Specialist plays a critical role in driving business growth by managing C & F clients, offering value-added solutions, optimizing operational processes, maintaining long-term client partnerships, ensuring customer satisfaction, and executing strategic sales initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with clients while working in a dynamic, result-driven environment.

Detailed key responsibilities:

• To serve as the primary point of contact for assigned C & F clients, building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships in the logistics sector.
• To ensure that clients' supply chain needs are met efficiently, offering customized solutions for their unique requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve C&F and reduce costs.
• To engage clients and international shipping agents on the most optimal shipping solutions for the client’s overseas cargo including offering competitive pricing while enhancing profitability.
• To use existing shipment tracking tools & systems to ensure clients are sufficiently updated on the status of their cargo and any changes therein.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and licensing and safety standards.
• To expeditiously clear through customs all cargo till delivery to the client’s appointed place of delivery while keeping them updated on the clearance process.
• Proactively identify potential risks within the forwarding and clearance and develop mitigation strategies.
• Present and engage in quarterly business reviews and submit weekly reports on opportunities and meetings.
• To coordinate offloading of cargo at the client’s premises, align return of empty containers to nominated depots, collection of interchanges and lodging of container deposit refunds in a timely manner.
• Ensure proper shipping documentation, declaration and timely issuance is done for all shipments.
• Update port clerks on all incoming shipments and share all the required documents on time.
• Prepare and submit customs declarations for import and export shipments, ensuring compliance with applicable local and international trade regulations.
• To ensure costs incurred during the C & F process are accurately captured on the available accounting systems and follow up to ensure accurate and timely billing.
• To work closely with clients to understand their logistical challenges, business objectives, and supply chain operations, creating tailored logistics solutions.
• To drive revenue growth by identifying opportunities to upsell or cross-sell additional services.
• Conduct regular training sessions to enhance team skills and productivity.
• To collaborate with internal teams to develop cost-cutting measures across the C & F operations and support the collection of billed services.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports as required by management and customers.
• Stay up to date with key industry & regulatory trends and keep all stakeholders including clients, updated on the impact they may have on their operations.
• Participate actively in the induction process to ensure new employees feel welcome and valued, setting the foundation for them to become productive and positive assets to the company.
• To perform other duties as required or directed

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, procurement or related field.
• 3 years of experience in freight forwarding, shipping or logistics industry.
• Strong knowledge of air freight, sea freight, ocean freight, export & import processes.
• Proficiency in preparing various types of import & export documents.
• Excellent communication skills for effective client interaction.
• Ability to work independently and as part of the team.
• Excellent problem-solving and analysis skills
• Ability to deal with problems efficiently and professionally.
• Attention to detail and high levels of accuracy

Skills Required:

• Logistics / Supply / Chain
• Procurement / Purchasing