Import Team Lead

Rogers & Brown • Houston, TX

6d

About The Position

The Import Team Lead leads and manages the import operations team within customs brokerage and freight forwarding. This role oversees day-to-day import operations, supporting efficient and compliant movement of goods for clients while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team. The position requires extensive knowledge of import processes, international cargo movement, freight quotations, customs regulations, and compliance.

The lead manages team scheduling, training, performance development, and operational coverage; oversees customs compliance, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and documentation review; and serves as a senior contact for key clients. The role also handles complex import issues, client billing and vendor payment vetting, stakeholder relationships, reporting and analytics, process improvement, regulatory updates, and the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
• At least 7 years of hands-on experience in import operations, including complex freight forwarding, customs clearance, and compliance processes.
• Exceptional knowledge of customs regulations, import procedures, compliance requirements, and relevant government agency regulations and procedures.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of import specialists and support staff.
• Strong client engagement and customer service skills, including the ability to address complex inquiries and provide strategic guidance.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills for complex import challenges and high-level issues.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders.
• Advanced ability to generate and analyze import-related reports and use data to inform process improvements and decisions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and implementation of operational best practices.
• Ability to ensure regulatory compliance and stay current on customs and international trade regulation changes.
• Proficiency in customs clearance software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• CargoWise proficiency and Specialist certification required.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, business administration, logistics, or a related discipline.
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications.
• Customs broker license.
• Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) or other advanced certification in international trade and customs brokerage.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, train, and support import specialists and support staff; foster a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Manage team scheduling, assist with performance evaluations, and contribute to team members’ professional development.
• Oversee customs compliance, including adherence to regulations, tariff classifications, documentation requirements, and import-related laws.
• Oversee freight forwarding activities, assist with freight movement and quotations, and communicate with overseas agents and vendors.
• Collaborate with management on strategic plans and set team goals and objectives.
• Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients, provide customer service and strategic guidance, and address complex inquiries and concerns.
• Review and approve import documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage and supervise customs clearance for imported goods, including tariff classification and coordination with customs authorities.
• Resolve complex import challenges, including customs delays, documentation discrepancies, and transportation issues; guide team members and escalate issues as needed.
• Bill clients, vet vendor payments according to company policy, and perform other accounting functions as needed.
• Maintain working relationships with vendors, carriers, government agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders; facilitate imports and resolve high-level issues.
• Analyze import reports, including clearance statuses and compliance records, and use insights to support process improvements and decisions.
• Identify and implement process enhancements and best practices within the import department.
• Ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, and stay informed about changes in customs and international trade regulations.
• Handle high volumes and multiple accounts at once, including providing backup for other import roles.
• Share knowledge, train team members, and develop, maintain, and improve standard operating procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED