Import & Export Manager

UPL- • Cary, NC

15h

About The Position

UPL is a global provider of crop solutions focused on securing the world's long-term food supply. The Import & Export Manager will lead North America import, export, and bonded warehouse operations to ensure compliant, cost-effective movement and storage of goods. This role owns customs and trade compliance processes, carrier/broker/supplier coordination, and end-to-end shipment execution. The manager will serve as the primary point of contact for CBP and internal stakeholders, driving visibility, issue resolution, and continuous improvement across trade programs and bonded inventory controls.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience managing a bonded warehouse operation.
• 5+ years of experience managing import shipments into the U.S.
• Experience leading a team (e.g., import specialists, coordinators, assistants), including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Ability to interpret data to improve lead times, reduce cost, and resolve exceptions.
• Experience with customs/trade compliance systems.
• Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems and regulatory/compliance portals.
• Ability to maintain weekly status reporting to manage export/import holds and shipment status.
• Experience supporting duty drawback program administration.
• Working knowledge of air, ocean, and ground transportation modes and related documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; highly detail-oriented with a bias for action and strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform effectively under pressure.
• Flexibility to manage changing priorities and evolving customer requirements.
• Strong customer service mindset with effective stakeholder management.
• Experience with U.S. import/export regulations, including Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), and U.S. Customs regulations.
• Bachelor’s degree in International Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent experience), plus 3–5 years of international and domestic traffic/logistics experience.

Nice To Haves

• HTS/Schedule B knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and validate export documentation (e.g., customs declarations, certificates of origin, shipping documents) to meet local and international requirements.
• Coordinate transportation with carriers and logistics partners to ensure on-time export delivery.
• Negotiate ocean freight and logistics rates and support sales/shipping contract negotiations with foreign distributors.
• Monitor the cost impact of freight, duty fees, and taxes, and identify opportunities to reduce total landed cost.
• Manage Duty Drawback and other duty refund schemes.
• Classify products accurately using HS/HTS codes and confirm applicable duty rates to minimize cost and avoid penalties.
• Calculate, validate, and ensure payment of import duties in accordance with the applicable HTS classification and tariff policy at the time of import.
• Manage and coordinate suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers to support service, cost, and compliance expectations.
• Partner with Finance on duty reconciliation, variance analysis, and related reporting.
• Collaborate with Customer Service and Planning to provide shipment visibility, status updates, and accurate delivery expectations.
• Ensure import activity complies with international trade laws, local customs requirements, and applicable trade policies.
• Resolve clearance issues with customs officials and EPA, and monitor changes in trade agreements and regulations to assess operational impact.
• Manage end-to-end import execution from supplier coordination through customs clearance to final warehouse delivery.
• Track import shipments and transit times, proactively managing delays, exceptions, and delivery performance.
• Run and oversee UPL operated Bonded facility, ensuring strict compliance with CBP regulations while managing bonded inventory, security, and staff.
• Manage bonded admissions/withdrawals, maintaining precise audit-ready records, and handling duty deferred goods.
• Oversee goods stored in 3PL bonded facility.
• Act as the primary liaison with CBP, managing audits, inspections, and maintaining accurate, audit-ready records for all bonded inventory.
• Oversee all bonded admissions, transfers, manipulations, and withdrawals (consumption or export), ensuring proper documentation such as CBP Form 214 or 7501.
• Direct day-to-day operations including receiving, segregation of bonded from non-bonded goods, and secure, orderly storage.
• Ensure high-security standards for duty-suspended goods and maintain compliance with safety standards (e.g., OSHA).
• Reconcile inventory discrepancies immediately and manage all necessary reports in SAP.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager