Transport & Import Export Manager

Kerry Group plc; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global taste and nutrition company, Kerry Group, is seeking a Manager for Transport and Compliance based in Johor Bahru. This role is pivotal to optimise logistics operations and ensure adherence to trade regulations, while leading a talented team to achieve operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management and a proven track record in fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years in transport and international trade operations, including leadership of cross-functional teams.
• Experience in the Food Ingredients & Flavours or Beverage industry preferred.
• Skilled in freight costing and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee import/export functions ensuring efficient domestic and international logistics.
• Lead a high-performing team with a focus on strategic direction and continuous improvement.
• Manage compliance with trade regulations and customs processes.

Skills

Customs compliance

Data analysis

Transport management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Transport Management Systems (TMS)

ERP proficiency (e.g., SAP)

Job description

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Requisition ID: 59239
Position Type: FT Permanent

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

• Reporting Line : Customer Experience Services Lead

This role leads and optimises transport and import/export functions within the Supply Chain, ensuring efficient and compliant domestic and international logistics operations. With a strategic mindset, it drives cost-effective, on-time, and in-full performance while managing a high-performing team and fostering collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners. The Manager leverages expertise in transport management, customs compliance, and data analysis to influence decision-making, resolve disruptions, and proactively manage risks. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives, the role ensures alignment with organisational goals and contributes to the success of the broader supply chain strategy.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of Supervisors and Planners, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Set strategic direction in transport and trade compliance, guiding cross-functional alignment and informed decision-making.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, focused on efficiency, productivity, and service excellence.
• Provide strategic oversight of transport planning to ensure OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) targets are consistently achieved or exceeded.
• Translate business and supply chain plans into effective, customer-focused transport strategies that balance cost and efficiency.
• Ensure strong integration between transport, manufacturing, warehousing, and customer service to deliver seamless operations.
• Harness data and digital tools to optimise route planning, transit times, and shipment consolidation.
• Maintain accurate transport master data (e.g., lead times, pallet configurations) to support high-quality decisions and operational reliability.
• Oversee the execution of transport plans in real-time, managing disruptions through structured escalation and risk mitigation.
• Lead performance reviews with logistics partners and internal teams, using KPIs and analytics to drive continuous improvement.
• Influence senior stakeholders to support long-term transport strategies and logistics capability development.

3. Trade Compliance & Operational Efficiency

• Lead all aspects of import/export and customs compliance, ensuring alignment with UK and international trade regulations.
• Ensure correct classification (HS codes), valuation, and declaration of goods under applicable customs procedures.
• Manage the application and maintenance of trade licences, permits, certificates of origin, and related regulatory documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes, assess impacts, and adapt internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external authorities to resolve compliance risks and minimise trade flow disruptions.
• Identify opportunities for duty optimisation and cost savings across international trade activities.
• Promote the digitalisation and automation of trade processes to enhance visibility, reduce manual effort, and streamline operations.
• Embed a strong compliance culture through training, awareness, and clear governance.

4. Logistics Partner & Cost Management

• Select, evaluate, and manage logistics providers in line with strategic priorities and performance expectations.
• Partner with Procurement to secure competitive freight rates and service levels.
• Ensure accuracy in freight invoicing, monitor contractual compliance, and control additional delivery costs effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Performance Insight
• Lead proactive communication with internal teams, 3PLs, and customers, ensuring visibility via tools such as the Supply Chain Cockpit.
• Manage and resolve service issues swiftly, ensuring structured escalation and root cause resolution.
• Deliver clear, actionable insights through data and analytics to support strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8–10 years in transport and international trade operations, including leadership of cross-functional teams and 3PL management.
• Experience in the Food Ingredients & Flavours or Beverage industry is preferred but not required.
• Strong expertise in customs compliance, trade regulations, and logistics systems, includingTransport Management Systems (TMS) and ERP proficiency (e.g., SAP, TMS).
• Skilled in freight costing and budgeting, ensuring cost-effective and efficient transport solutions.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.