Import Division Manager

Clutch Global Logistics•Lombard, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Clutch Global is seeking an experienced Import Division Manager to lead our import operations team. This role owns the performance, development, and day-to-day management of the import team; ensuring every shipment moves compliantly and profitably from origin to final delivery while building a team that operates at a high standard. This is a hands-on leadership role. The ideal candidate has come up through freight forwarding operations, knows what "good" looks like on an import file, and is equally comfortable coaching an operator through difficult issues, developing strategies, or reporting departmental performance. The successful candidate will assume responsibility for the below function.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in international freight forwarding, with meaningful time in import operations specifically
Prior supervisory or team-lead experience — direct people management, not just operational ownership
Experience with performance reviews
Strong working knowledge of import and INCOTERMS
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with CargoWise
Experience managing departmental P&L or profitability reporting
Background in both air and ocean import modes, particularly FCL
Experience with cost, vendor, and carrier sourcing
Experience with rate management and quoting
Experience with Ocean Contracts
Experience with Client routed freight and Agent routed freight
Bachelor's degree

Responsibilities

Directly manage, schedule, and balance workload across a team of import operators, adjusting for seasonal and account-driven volume swings
Hire, onboard, and train new operators; build a structured ramp-up process for new team members
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching; manage corrective action when needed
Serve as the escalation point for operators on complex files, difficult customers, or carrier/agent disputes
Build team morale and a culture of accountability and ownership within the import department
Oversee the team’s end-to-end execution of the air and ocean import shipments — from file open through to final delivery
Review and approve high-risk, high-value, or non-routine import files before they move
Monitor shipment milestones across the team and drive resolution on exceptions and delays
Ensure documentation accuracy across the department (entries, bills of lading, delivery orders, invoicing)
Maintain and improve department SOPs for consistency across operators
Keep the team current on regulatory changes affecting import processes
Complete audits to ensure compliance with company standards.
Own profitability of the client import book — monitor file-level margins and department P&L
Manage timely and accurate A/R and A/P billing for the import desk
Identify and act on opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost without compromising service
Responsible for costs procurement and markup strategy (with sales input)
Act as the senior point of contact for key accounts on import-related issues
Maintain strong working relationships with overseas agents, carriers, and customs brokers
Ensure the team delivers consistent, proactive communication to clients on shipment status
Work with Director of Compliance to enhance the Import department’s use of CargoWise and assist with implementation of IT solutions
Continued support of implementation of new systems and continuous process improvement
Identification of new products
Development of new product offerings
Implementation and oversight of new products

Benefits

Salary based upon experience
Potential for Performance Bonus
Annual Corporate Sponsored 401k Contributions
Paid Time Off (PTO)
401k Savings Plan (Traditional & Roth Plans)
Health Insurance - employee and dependents PPO & HMO offered (Majority Funded by Employer)
Dental Insurance - employee and dependents (Fully Funded by Employer)
Vision Insurance - employee and dependents (Fully Funded by Employer)
Short-term & Long-term Disability Insurance (Fully Funded by Employer)
Group Life Insurance (Fully Funded by Employer)
Various Additional Perks & Benefits