Import Team Lead

Rogers-; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Rogers- is seeking an Import Team Lead to guide our import operations in customs brokerage and freight forwarding. The role requires extensive knowledge of import processes, international cargo movement, and compliance, with responsibility for day-to-day team performance.

You will lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, manage customs documentation, and collaborate on strategic plans to optimize import processes for multiple clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in import operations.
• Expertise in freight forwarding, customs clearance, and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations and government agency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor import team to ensure high performance.
• Oversee customs compliance and regulatory adherence.
• Coordinate freight forwarding activities and quotations with overseas agents.
• Engage with key clients and provide strategic guidance on import operations.
• Review import documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Supervise the customs clearance process for diverse goods.
• Address delays, discrepancies, and transportation issues promptly.
• Manage client billing and vet payments to vendors.
• Develop SOPs, training programs, and process improvements.

Skills

Team Leadership

Customs Compliance

Freight Forwarding

Strategic Planning

Client Engagement

Documentation Review

Customs Clearance

Problem Solving

Vendor Relations

Reporting & Analytics

Time Management

SOP Training & Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

CargoWise

MS Office

Job description

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

As the Import Team Lead, you will play a fundamental role in leading and managing our import operations team in the customs brokerage and freight forwarding. This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive knowledge of import processes, international movement of cargo, freight quotations, customs regulations, and compliance. The Import Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the team's day-to-day activities, ensuring efficient and compliant importation of goods for our clients, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of import specialists and support staff.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to team members to ensure their success and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Properly manage scheduling for import team members and assist in performance evaluations.

2. Customs Compliance Management:

• Oversee all aspects of customs compliance within the import team, ensuring strict adherence to customs regulations, tariff classifications, and documentation requirements.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with import-related laws and regulations.

3. Freight Forwarding:

• Oversee all aspects of freight forwarding within the import team.
• Assist with the movement of freight and quotations as needed.
• Communicate with overseas agents and vendors.

4. Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with management to develop and implement strategic plans for the import department.
• Set clear goals and objectives for the team to achieve long-term success.

5. Client Engagement:

• Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, providing exceptional customer service.
• Address complex client inquiries, concerns, and provide strategic guidance on import operations.

6. Customs Documentation Review:

• Review and approve import documentation prepared by team members, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customs regulations.

7. Customs Clearance Leadership:

• Manage and supervise the customs clearance process for a wide range of imported goods.
• Ensure proper tariff classifications and coordination with customs authorities.

8. Problem Resolution:

• Address and resolve complex import-related challenges, including customs delays, documentation discrepancies, or transportation issues.
• Provide expert guidance and support to team members in resolving issues and escalating as needed.

9. Accounting:

• Responsible for properly billing clients and vetting payments to vendors according to company policy and provides other accounting functions as needed.

10. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations:

• Foster and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate the import process and resolve high-level issues.

11. Reporting and Analytics:

• Analyze import-related reports, such as clearance statuses and compliance records.
• Use data-driven insights to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making.

12. Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the import department.
• Implement best practices and contribute to the ongoing improvement of operations.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the import team through training and performance development.

13. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure that the import team adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Stay informed about changes and updates in customs and international trade regulations.

14. Time Management:

• Ability to handle high volumes and multiple accounts at one time, including serving as a back up to other import roles.

15. Development:

• Contribute to knowledge sharing by training team members and developing, maintaining, and improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as international trade, business administration, logistics, or a related discipline is a plus. Advanced degrees or certifications can be advantageous.

2. Import Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in import operations, demonstrating expertise in managing complex import processes such as freight forwarding, customs clearance, and compliance.

3. Customs Compliance Expertise:

• Exceptional knowledge of customs regulations, import procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Mastery of relevant government agencies' regulations and procedures.

4. Leadership Skills:

• Proven leadership abilities, including experience in leading and managing a team of import specialists and support staff.
• Ability to inspire and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

5. Client Engagement:

• Strong client engagement skills, including the ability to act as a senior point of contact for key clients.
• Capability to provide exceptional customer service, address complex client inquiries, and offer strategic guidance on import operations.

6. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

• Strong problem-solving skills and the capability to handle complex import-related challenges.
• Informed decision-making abilities to resolve high-level issues effectively.

7. Vendor and Stakeholder Relations:

• Proven ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitation of the import process and resolution of high-level issues.

8. Reporting and Analytics:

• Advanced skills in generating and analyzing import-related reports, using data-driven insights to drive process improvements and strategic decision-making.

9. Continuous Improvement:

• A commitment to identifying opportunities for process enhancements within the import department.
• Implementation of best practices and contribution to the ongoing improvement of operations.

10. Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensuring that the import team adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Stay informed about changes and updates in customs and international trade regulations.

11. Software Proficiency:

• Proficiency in customs clearance software and advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). CargoWise proficiency and Specialist certification required.

12. Customs Broker License (Preferred):

• While not always required, a customs broker license is often preferred and can be a significant advantage.

13. Relevant Certifications (Optional):

• Possession of relevant certifications, such as Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), or other advanced certifications in international trade and customs brokerage.