Operations Manager

Job Summary:
The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the import and export processes of goods in compliance with global trade regulations. This role will ensure efficient and cost-effective movement of goods across borders, while optimizing the company’s logistics operations. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of international trade rules, financing of flow of goods on an international scale, good maritime logistics management, and have strong communication and negotiation skills to collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, clients, traders, freight forwarders, insurance and ship brokers and other actors of the international trade of goods.

Key Responsibilities:
Import/Export Management:
Supervise and manage the international shipping of goods, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Oversee the preparation of documentation required for international shipments, from contracts, shipment documentation, including bills of lading, invoices, certificates of origin, surveyors documents and others as needed.
Coordinate with independent surveyors, ship brokers, customs brokers, and customs agencies to facilitate smooth import/export operations.
Ensure timely issuance of documents, and where financial instruments are used, manage this within the given time frame.
Understand the back-to-back, and/or front-to-back sales and purchases process and stock management
Able to coordinate and supervise operations with storage terminals, ship brokers
Able to review Charter party contracts, oversee shipping operations and lead shipment costs optimisation

Compliance and Risk Management:
Monitor and ensure compliance process for clients’ onboarding is completed.
Keep informed about international trade regulations, including but not limited to INCOTERMS, sanctions regulations and
Manage relationships with internal compliance, legal advisors and trade consultants to stay updated on changes in trade policies.
Understand and liaise with internal and external consultants to mitigate trade risks, including country risks, financial exposure and so on.
Manage relation with insurance brokers, improve coverage and insurance conditions over time, timely declare all needed information to insurance brokers and underwriters

Logistics and Supply Chain Coordination:
Collaborate with supply chain actors, such as suppliers, warehouses and/or storage locations, ship brokers and others to plan international shipments of goods.
Maintain and develop relationships with Buyers
Work closely with ship brokers / carriers to optimize shipping routes, and methods to control costs and delivery times.
Manage relationships with logistics providers, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
Analyze shipping data and trends to improve operational efficiency.

Budgeting and Cost Control:
Work with finance to review costs and budgets related to international shipping and trade activities, identify areas for improvement
Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate with supply chain / service providers
Prepare and track monthly operational report (trading position)
Follow demurrage cases with shipping department and/or ship brokers to minimize demurrage costs

Team Leadership and Development:
Lead and develop a team of trade specialists and coordinators.
Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment.

Relationship Management:
Act as the primary point of contact with Traders, upper management, some external partners related to international trade.
Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and customers to enhance international trade operations.

Qualifications:
Education: minimum Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or related field.

Any additional qualification is a plus
Fully fluent in English
Any additional language a plus

Experience:
Minimum 10 years of experience in international trade, logistics, or supply chain management.
Proven experience in managing import/export operations
Experience in handling multi-country shipping, customs clearance, and global logistics networks.

Skills and Competencies:
In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations, Incoterms, trade finance payment instruments (LC, SBLC, BG, Hybrid payment modes), insurance for international sales of goods and general customs rules
Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and ERP systems, demurrage calculations software a plus
Strong problem-solving abilities, ability to analyse and interpret data quickly with attention to detail and accuracy for fast decision-making.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.