Import Specialist

Corporate Resources Group (CRG) Services Corp.; Pasig; On-site; PHP 450,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

Corporate Resources Group (CRG) Services Corp. is seeking an Import Specialist in Metro Manila to oversee end-to-end import processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and timely delivery.

You will coordinate with suppliers, brokers, carriers, and internal teams to manage documentation, permits, and shipments. The role requires strong attention to detail, capability to handle multiple shipments, and experience in preparing operational and compliance reports.

Qualifications

• Experience in importation, customs coordination, logistics or related field.
• Working knowledge of import documentation, HS classification, duties and taxes.
• Strong coordination and communication with internal departments, brokers, forwarders, carriers, and government agencies.
• Degree in supply chain, logistics, business, international trade or related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end import process from documentation to release.
• Coordinate with brokers, freight forwarders, and customs authorities.
• Prepare purchase orders, permits, and payment requests.
• Monitor shipments to ensure on-time delivery.
• Prepare regular import status, finance, and broker reports.

Skills

Importation experience

Customs coordination

Logistics

Freight forwarding

Supply chain

Education

Degree in supply chain/logistics/international trade

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the role

The Import Specialist manages and coordinates the end-to-end importation of goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and government requirements while supporting timely and cost-effective delivery. The role works closely with internal departments, suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and logistics vendors to manage documentation, permits, shipments, purchase orders, payments, reporting, and import process improvements.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and process import documentation, including invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
• Ensure compliance with international trade laws, customs regulations, government requirements, and company policies.
• Classify goods according to HS codes and determine applicable duties and taxes.
• Track and monitor shipments to support on-time delivery.
• Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, sourcing, logistics, customs, and internal departments.
• Maintain accurate records of import activities and relevant documents for audit and reporting purposes.
• Resolve shipment issues, customs holds, and documentation discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of import processes.
• Stay updated on changes in trade laws, tariffs, customs procedures, and regulations that may affect shipments.
• Coordinate with the Technical and Research Development, Material Resource Planning, and Finance Departments to ensure timely delivery of goods.
• Prepare purchase orders and submit them to the approving officer based on the applicable level of authority.
• Prepare payment requests based on agreed payment terms and provide the Finance Department with funding forecasts for vendor payables and estimated duties and taxes.
• Maintain and record all purchase orders in the system, together with relevant process documentation.
• Process import lodgments and coordinate with the Technical and Research Development Department on permit applications, including Certificates Authorizing Importation of Pesticide, Authorities to Release Imported Goods, and VAT exemption requirements.
• Review shipping documents to ensure accurate and consistent details before assigning a broker.
• Determine and assign brokers for specific shipments or items while ensuring competitive pricing and quality service.
• Communicate with brokers, forwarders, and the Bureau of Customs as needed.
• Source, validate, and audit brokers and logistics vendors.
• Measure broker and forwarder performance against agreed key performance indicators and arrange periodic reviews to address performance gaps.
• Ensure that all items for importation have the required regulatory permits before booking.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.
• Maintain reports and process documents required to execute purchase requests.
• Prepare regular Import Status Reports, Import and Finance Reports, Business Unit Import Reports, and Broker Reports.
• Prepare monthly demurrage analysis with root cause analysis and action plans by the 10th of each month.
• Prepare reports on the number of containers processed by business unit, including planned versus actual volumes, compliance with required estimated time of arrival, root cause analysis, and action plans.
• Prepare project status reports covering initiatives such as broker bidding and documented import releasing policies and procedures.

What we're looking for

• Experience in importation, customs coordination, logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of import documentation, customs procedures, HS classification, duties, taxes, and regulatory permits.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for working with internal departments, suppliers, brokers, forwarders, carriers, and government agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments, purchase orders, permits, payment requests, and deadlines accurately.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing shipping and compliance documents.
• Experience preparing operational, compliance, financial, and performance reports.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate shipment discrepancies and prepare root cause analyses and action plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to maintain accurate records in business systems.
• Ability to monitor vendor performance, evaluate logistics providers, and support cost and process improvement initiatives.
• A degree or relevant background in supply chain management, logistics, business, international trade, or a related discipline is preferred.