Import and Export Manager at Unilever

Main Job Purpose

The Imports Specialist has overall responsibility for managing inbound and outbound Logistics (Customs clearance for all Raw Materials and Finished Goods imports and exports) and 3PL management.  The role is responsible for ensuring OTIF delivery on all KPIs at optimal costs & service level.

The main objective of the job is to always ensure a stable inbound and outbound (export) operations to maintain high service levels.

Job Summary

Import Responsibilities

• Ensure a smooth operation in the inbound logistics process (Customs documentation, port clearance and delivery of both Raw Material & Finished Goods to warehouse) to deliver high levels of Customer Service towards key stakeholders
• Manage the relationship with Unilever, 3PLs, government agencies to ensure a collaborative atmosphere required to drive improvement processes related to service levels, cost efficiencies and loss reduction
• Provide visibility of the imported shipments situation and highlight any Supply Risks to support the Business Planning process
• Develop and manage contingency plans relating to 3PL services.
• Manage all clearing and forwarding agents and clearing processes at ports of entry and ensure compliance with regulations as per the law.
• Manage all government agencies relations regarding the Customs clearance operations at the ports of entry.
• Ensure effective running of Procure to pay cycle and 3PL suppliers are paid on time as per their payment terms.
• Ensure SOPs and SLAs are in place for inbound logistics to embed process standardization and alignment.

Export Responsibilities

• Ensure a smooth operation in the Export distribution process (Distribution Requirements Planning) to deliver high levels of Customer Service towards Export markets serviced by  the MCO
• Manage the relationship with Unilever, 3PLs, End markets (Unilever owned or 3rd Party Managed) to ensure a collaborative atmosphere required to drive improvement processes related to service levels, cost efficiencies and loss reduction
• Deliver transparency of the overall Supply situation in the Exports Markets and highlight any Supply Risks to support the Business Planning process
• Develop and manage contingency plans relating to 3PL services and site products
• Manage all clearing agents for all Exports and ensure clearing processes at the borders to avoid any delays.
• Manage all government relations regarding the Export operations in the country of operations. (Inspections, Customs, Permits)
• Ensure Distribution Requirement planning for FG and manage the day to day operation for planning and ordering Finished Goods at SUs outside the MCO boundaries.
• Liaise with Supply Management to ensure contracts with Export Markets are in place and manage quarterly Transfer Price process.
• Support the S&OP process by driving a structured Demand and Supply Reconciliation Process
• Ensure Timely payments to suppliers. Review outstanding payments, ageing. Resolve disputes

Key Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field
• Broad and deep understanding Customs processes in import & Exports.
• Broad knowledge of Import/Export regulations and requirements
• 3-5 Years in Supply Chain operations: Imports and Exports processes
• Working knowledge of supply chain management principles
• Exposure to Order to Cash, procure to pay cycle
• Customer Service and distribution Planning
• Good planning skills
• Good understanding of ERP system and other systems (SAP, Excel, MS Word, etc.)
• FMCG Experience