Import / Export Operations Specialist

Our client is a global supply chain solutions company with over 160 years of experience in commodity trading. The company provides procurement, logistics, trade finance, price risk management, market analysis, and sustainability solutions across the food, beverage, packaging, and energy sectors. Combining industry expertise with digital innovation, our client helps multinational and local businesses manage their supply chains efficiently and sustainably, with a strong focus on innovation, responsible growth, and long-term partnerships

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the execution of completed trades, including post-trade contract activities and day-to-day execution of physical contracts concluded by the regional and local trading team, mainly shipped in containers or breakbulk imported into Philippines. This involves planning shipments through customs clearance, storage, warehousing and eventual delivery of goods to clients.
• Handle import and export procedures, customs declarations, customs clearance, and related documentation.
• Creating shipment and delivery records in our in-house system.
• Follow up on scanned signed documents and original documents from shippers, getting ready for customs clearance.
• Liaise with brokers to do lodgement with Customs and coordinate with various teams to finalize and pay Customs duties & taxes.
• Instructing / appointing surveyors at loading and discharging port(s), if needed.
• Follow up with brokers to ensure all destination charges are paid accordingly for cargo to be cleared from port on time.
• Liaise with trucking companies & warehouses on schedules to deliver containers for unloading.
• Manage relationships with logistics partners and freight forwarders to ensure service reliability and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, and other relevant stakeholders regarding shipment arrangements and operational requirements.
• Receive delivery plans from buyers and coordinate with truckers and warehouses to arrange deliveries.
• Prepare delivery receipts, warehouse receipts, and other logistics documents necessary for warehouse releases.
• Arrange local or overseas courier to send out original documents.
• Monitor shipment progress and address delays, customs issues, and other operational concerns.
• Create sales invoices using the company's in-house Suite system, coordinate with Finance Teams on supporting documentation, and monitor payment collections for recording in the system.
• Upload all shipping/delivery/payment documents into in-house system.
• Coordinating with Finance Teams to manage the payment of suppliers, freight invoices and any other costs.
• Handle operational documentation, invoicing, payment collections, and related processes using the company's in-house Suite system.
• Support domestic operations and import programs, including the importation and distribution of sugar in the Philippines.
• Follow up on customer and shipment-related claims, including insurance claims where applicable, and work closely with traders and relevant stakeholders to resolve disputes.
• Ensure all transactions comply with SRA (Sugar Regulatory Administration) rules, import permits, and monitoring requirements.
• Join weekly execution calls with Singapore and/or Regional teams. Coordinate with the local operations team and participate in regular calls with the Regional Operations Manager.
• Complete assigned onboarding activities and e-learning to become familiar with the company's systems and processes.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide coaching to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Conduct training on SOPs, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
• Handle operational issues, conflicts, and incident escalations professionally.
• Identify operational risks and implement preventive measures.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Changes in the business may occasionally require alterations in this job description and these will be agreed with the post holder as appropriate.

Requirements

Must-have Skills / Qualification:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in import/export trade, shipping logistics, or related operations, including familiarity with customs clearance and shipment documentation.
• Diploma / Degree / Professional Certificates in Logistics / Supply Chain Management / Business / Maritime Studies / Customs Administration / related disciplines.
• Familiarity with import and export procedures, customs declarations, and shipment documentation.
• Fast learner and able to work under pressure and deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Ability to act with integrity when dealing with confidential matters.
• Team player with strong work ethics, professionalism, and maturity when dealing with customers, suppliers, and freight forwarders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English and the Filipino language.
• Good emotional intelligence and the ability to manage relationships with different stakeholders.
• Genuine interest in learning the business, taking on hands-on operational responsibilities, and developing over the long term within an established team.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with local deliveries, trucking and warehousing.
• Experience handling containerized shipments; experience with both containerized and bulk shipments is an advantage.
• Experience in the agricultural, food, commodity trading, or related industries.
• A Philippine-licensed Customs Broker is preferred.
• Experience with Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) requirements and procedures is an advantage but not required.
• Knowledge of RSA / SAOL / Sugar No. 11 rules and regulations, and Incoterms.
• Experience in Letter of Credits negotiation and UCP, ISBP rules.

Job type: Permanent

Emp type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: Taguig City - On-site during the initial six-month period. After regularization, work-from-home arrangements will be available at least once a week. (3-4 days onsite, 1-2 days work from home)

Industry: Commodity Trading