IMPORT MANAGER AT SUNGROUPE NIGERIA LIMITED | JOBS IN LAGOS

About Company:

The history of Sun Group parallels the growth of Nigeria and its energetic drive toward prosperity and international prominence. Established in 1970, Sun Group is a growing business conglomerate with deep-rooted ties to Nigeria.

Job Description:

We are seeking a seasoned Import Manager to lead our international trade operations and ensure the seamless flow of goods into Nigeria. This is a critical leadership role that sits at the intersection of supply chain efficiency, high-level trade finance, and strict regulatory compliance. You will be responsible for managing the entire import lifecycle—from Form M initiation and Letter of Credit (LC) issuance to navigating PAAR processes and overseeing vessel chartering. The ideal candidate possesses a deep mastery of Nigerian Customs procedures, a strategic approach to cost management, and the ability to manage complex relationships with banks, government agencies, and international shipping lines.

Requirements:

1. Trade Finance & Strategic Planning

• Financial Instrument Management: Partner with bank relationship teams to manage the application and issuance of Form M and Letters of Credit (LC) based on supply terms.

• Forecasting: Work with business units to forecast import needs and ensure adequate LC facilities are in place.

• Chartering & Bulk Handling: Leverage expert knowledge in vessel chartering and the handling of Breakbulk vessels for large-scale industrial imports.

• Insurance Reconciliation: Ensure accurate reconciliation with insurance providers regarding certificate utilization at the time of Form M establishment.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison

• Permit Acquisition: Oversee the procurement of all necessary permits, including PAAR, SONCAP, and NAFDAC certifications.

• Statutory Compliance: Ensure 100% adherence to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), SON, and NAFDAC regulations to prevent penalties.

• Tariff Management: Act as the internal authority on HS Codes, tariff classifications, and import duty calculations.

• Regional Trade: Oversee all export documentation in strict accordance with ECOWAS trade terms.

3. Customs Clearance & Logistics Operations

• Clearance Expediting: Coordinate with the clearing department and customs brokers to fast-track consignments and eliminate demurrage and detention costs.

• Supply Chain Alignment: Synchronize import schedules with procurement, finance, and warehouse teams to ensure raw materials or goods arrive just-in-time.

• Documentation Integrity: Maintain flawless records of all import transactions, managing post-clearance documentation and performance reporting.

4. Vendor Management & Cost Optimization

• Strategic Negotiations: Negotiate contracts and Incoterms with international shipping lines, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.

• Cost Stewardship: Monitor freight rates, duties, and taxes; identify opportunities to reduce landed costs and improve process efficiency.

• Risk Mitigation: Develop strategies to mitigate risks associated with currency fluctuations, geopolitical shifts, and changes in CBN trade policies.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

• Experience: 5+ years in a managerial role within import/export or logistics, specifically within the Nigerian market.

• Systems Proficiency: High proficiency in ERP systems; Orion ERP functionality is a significant advantage.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the Nigeria Single Window Trade Portal and CBN import regulations.

Core Competencies

• Incoterms Mastery: Expert understanding of international shipping terms and trade finance instruments.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to review complex reports on supplier performance and import volumes to drive business decisions.

• Communication: Exceptional ability to liaise between internal units, external vendors, and high-level government officials.

Salary

Application Closing Date: Not specified

Application Instructions:

Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: sungrouperecruitment@gmail.com using the position as subject of email.