Import Manager

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Our client, a growing global food ingredient provider, is seeking an Importation Manager to join their team in Naperville, IL.

This role is heavily focused on international logistics, import operations, customs compliance, and import documentation, making it an ideal opportunity for a professional with deep expertise in managing products through the importation process. As the company continues to scale, this individual will play a critical role in building structure, improving visibility, and ensuring seamless movement of goods from global suppliers to customers.

The Importation Manager will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership across import/export operations, customs and border compliance, international freight coordination, inventory planning, warehousing, and customer distribution logistics. While inventory management is part of the role, the primary emphasis is on importation, logistics, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end import operations, ensuring timely and compliant movement of products from international suppliers to U.S. distribution points.
• Oversee all import-related documentation, customs filings, and regulatory requirements, working closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations and other applicable trade requirements.
• Track and coordinate inbound international shipments, proactively resolving clearance, transportation, and documentation issues.
• Own purchasing, forecasting, and replenishment planning based on sales trends and business demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and inventory accuracy across third-party warehouse partners.
• Coordinate inbound and outbound logistics activities with warehouses, carriers, and logistics providers.
• Maintain key operational documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COAs), Certificates of Origin, shipment records, and other compliance-related documentation.
• Collaborate with Sales, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations teams to align supply chain execution with customer demand and business objectives.
• Introduce process improvements, reporting tools, and best practices to support a more scalable and data-driven operation.
• Support ERP enhancements and implementation efforts, with NetSuite experience strongly preferred.

What We're Looking For:

• 5 years of experience in importation.
• Strong knowledge of import documentation, customs clearance procedures, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.
• Demonstrated experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international transportation providers.
• Experience managing international procurement and inbound logistics.
• Understanding of inventory management, purchasing, and forecasting processes.
• Experience working with 3PLs, warehouse networks, and distribution operations.
• ERP experience, preferably NetSuite, including implementation or optimization projects.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with exceptional follow-through.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working with global suppliers and partners across multiple time zones.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while navigating changing freight markets, supply disruptions, and evolving trade regulations.

Why This Role:

• Opportunity to build and shape a growing importation and logistics function.
• High visibility and direct impact on business performance.
• Exposure to global sourcing, international trade, and supply chain strategy.
• Ability to drive process improvements and create scalable infrastructure within a growing organization.

Compensation:

Estimated Salary Range: $115,000–$130,000 plus benefits

This position is ideal for a professional whose expertise lies in importation, customs documentation, and international logistics management and who wants the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing global organization.