Import Manager, Savannah GA

John S. James Co.; Georgia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time-off program

Job summary

A leading customs brokerage firm in Georgia is seeking an Import Manager to lead the Savannah Import Department. This on-site position entails compliance oversight, staff development, and ensuring operational efficiency within the department. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills and a Licensed Customs Broker credential, along with a commitment to ongoing education. This role includes comprehensive benefits and the chance to work in a dynamic environment focused on customer service excellence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred.
• Licensed Customs Broker required.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage staff effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Commitment to ongoing education: minimum 20 hours of certified continuing education annually.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Import Department operates in full compliance with all applicable laws.
• Oversee daily operations and service delivery to all import accounts.
• Identify and resolve issues affecting import transactions.
• Audit import files for accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure import staff follow standardized procedures.
• Oversee collections for outstanding invoices within the import department.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Analytical ability

Organizational skills

Customer service mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Licensed Customs Broker

Job description

The Company

Since 1941, John S. James Co. has provided exceptional service to the international transportation community. Our long-standing reputation is built on professionalism, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to offering personalized solutions in customs brokerage and freight forwarding. We continue that mission today with a company culture focused on integrity, compliance, and customer service excellence.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a progressive paid time-off program.

Role

The Import Manager is responsible for leading the Savannah Import Department and ensuring all operations are compliant, efficient, and performed with the highest level of professionalism. This role oversees staff development, regulatory adherence, departmental performance, and customer service standards across all import accounts.

This is a full-time, on-site leadership position.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Ensure the Import Department operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Oversee daily operations and take ultimate responsibility for service delivery to all import accounts.
• Identify, resolve, and proactively prevent issues affecting import transactions, customer accounts, or workflow.
• Maintain updated tariff references, manuals, and source materials for departmental use.
• Conduct regular department meetings to keep staff informed on regulatory changes, process updates, and performance expectations.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Audit import files for accuracy, regulatory compliance, and profitability.
• Ensure import staff follow standardized procedures and uphold documentation and recordkeeping requirements.
• Collaborate with the Director of Import Compliance on compliance directives and updates.
• Maintain supervision over departmental profit, expenses, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee collections for outstanding invoices within the import department.
• Review salary levels annually to ensure fairness and nondiscrimination.
• Ensure the department is adequately staffed and employees are properly trained for their positions.
• Conduct annual evaluations for all Import Department employees.
• Handle personnel matters, including approving time off, addressing performance issues, and mentoring staff.
• Interview, hire, discipline, and recommend termination when appropriate, with consensus from the Office Manager.
• Work with Human Resources on employee training, onboarding, and professional development.

Customer & Internal Communication

• Maintain professional communication with customers, department peers, and upper management.
• Communicate departmental updates, events, and issues to leadership regularly.
• Represent John S. James Co. at transportation and industry-related meetings when required.
• Partner with the Sales team to support business growth and assist in securing new import accounts.

Administrative & Other Duties

• Monitor departmental supplies and ensure office equipment is maintained.
• Travel as needed for client visits, potential customers, educational seminars, or coordination with other offices.
• Participate in Managers’ Meetings and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance as an essential part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred.
• Licensed Customs Broker required.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage staff effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to interpret regulations, analyze operational issues, and apply sound judgment.
• Commitment to ongoing education: minimum 20 hours of certified continuing education annually.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on compliance, accuracy, and operational performance.