Job Description

Import (Foreign Procurement) Manager

Brief Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Import (Foreign Procurement) Manager to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the importation of goods from foreign countries, ensuring compliance with Ethiopian customs regulations and laws, and maintaining strong relationships with international suppliers. The Import (Foreign Procurement) Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of goods into the country, while also minimizing costs and maximizing quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective import strategies to meet business objectives
• Source and evaluate international suppliers, negotiating prices and terms of sale
• Manage the entire import process, including customs clearance, transportation, and warehousing
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards, including Ethiopian customs regulations and international trade agreements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders
• Analyze market trends, prices, and supplier performance to optimize import operations
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including procurement, logistics, and finance teams, to ensure alignment and effective communication
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with international trade, such as supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and regulatory changes

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field from a reputable Ethiopian university
• Minimum 5 years of experience in import management, foreign procurement, or a related field, with a proven track record of success
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopian customs regulations, international trade agreements, and laws governing importation
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with international suppliers and stakeholders
• Proficiency in English, with fluency in Amharic or other local languages an added advantage
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex data and make informed decisions
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, transportation management systems (TMS), and other logistics software
• Certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent professional qualifications are an added advantage