Import Manager
Imperative Logistics · Laredo
The Import Manager leads the U.S. Import team, ensuring compliant, efficient, and high-quality customs clearance operations while delivering exceptional customer service. This role oversees daily import activities, develops team members, drives operational performance and ensures compliance with U.S. Customs regulations, company policies and customer requirements.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & People Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team responsible for U.S. import transaction processing.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide regular feedback, and create development plans for team members.
- Identify training needs and promote continuous learning to strengthen technical and leadership competencies.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and operational excellence.
- Resolve employee concerns and conflicts in a fair, timely, and professional manner.
- Lead by example by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Customs Compliance & Operational Excellence
- Ensure compliance with all applicable U.S. Customs regulations, Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements, company policies, and departmental procedures.
- Oversee customs compliance and quality assurance activities, including daily customs statements and import documentation.
- Manage in-bond transactions and ensure adherence to regulatory and audit requirements.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all assigned import accounts and support the successful implementation of new customer accounts, including development of Customer Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain current knowledge of customs regulations through ongoing professional education and industry training.
- Serve as the department's customs resource, including coordinating with local ports and resolving customs issues when necessary.
Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor operational, compliance, quality, productivity, and customer service metrics (KPIs) to ensure performance objectives are achieved.
- Analyze operational trends and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
- Participate in cost reduction initiatives, metric development, and other continuous improvement projects.
- Support ISO certification activities and ensure branch processes and documentation meet established standards.
Customer & Business Partnership
- Build and maintain effective relationships with customers, management, government agencies, and internal business partners.
- Participate in customer meetings, including travel to customer sites when required.
- Support departmental initiatives, strategic projects, and organizational change efforts to meet business objectives.
- Demonstrate flexibility by supporting business operations outside of standard business hours, including weekends or after-hours, when necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.
Administrative & Financial Oversight
- Ensure Fee Schedules are current, complete, and accurately maintained.
- Oversee documentation, recordkeeping, and internal controls to support operations, compliance and audit readiness.
- Perform periodic billing and rating reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education, Training & Experience):
- Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Minimum three (3) years of import, customs brokerage, or international logistics experience.
- Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS: Licenses and certifications are not required but are preferred. Candidates with relevant certifications related to imports, logistics, or supply chain management are encouraged to submit them, as they may enhance the evaluation of your experience and qualifications.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, import processes, and Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements; stays current on industry changes and regulatory updates while serving as a subject matter expert.
- Proven leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, company policies, safety rules, departmental and company procedures, and operating instructions while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
- Ability to investigate a variety of administrative problems and make recommendations as to their solutions and to prepare working procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compliance and service standards.
- Ability to lead change initiatives and drive continuous improvement in operational performance, compliance, and customer service.
- Ability to work under the direction of senior leadership and effectively implement organizational objectives.
- Communicate professionally and courteously with customers, colleagues, and business partners through all verbal and written communications, in both English and Spanish.
- Flexibility to assume additional responsibilities and perform other duties as assigned to support business operations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and import-related systems and technologies.
- Willingness and ability to travel, including visits to ports, customer locations, and training events, as business needs require.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver's license and meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Required to comply with all Imperative’s policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in a non-climate-controlled environment working closely with others and alone with light traveling required. Work involves rotating shifts and working extended workdays outside the regular working hours and on-call status; Work requires simple grasping, standing, sitting, climbing stairs and ladders, walking, carrying up to 15 pounds, and light lifting under 24 pounds. Ability to see, write, count, read, hear and identify shade of colors is needed to perform essential functions.
WHAT WE OFFER
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401k + matching contribution
HSA + matching contribution
Paid Time Off
Life Insurance
Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance
...and more!
Imperative Logistics Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.