I. Job Summary

The Merchandising Manager (Import/Export) leads the end-to-end import and export operations for Food and Non-Food categories, ensuring timely execution, cost efficiency, and full regulatory compliance. This role oversees overseas supplier and export partner governance, shipment execution, trade documentation, and landed cost management while mitigating operational and compliance risks. The position partners cross-functionally to optimize global trade operations and support sustainable business growth.

II. Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Import & Export Management

• Own the end-to-end import and export strategy aligned with company business objectives and category plans.

• Develop sourcing and export market strategies in collaboration with Merchandising, Category, Sales, and Finance teams.

• Lead overseas supplier and export partner governance, including commercial negotiations, pricing structures, MOQ optimization, and lead time control.

• Establish and continuously improve SOPs, approval workflows, and service standards for both import and export operations.

• Monitor global trade trends, regulations, and logistics risks impacting cross-border operations.

2. End-to-End Trade Operations Leadership

• Oversee the full import lifecycle (PO issuance → customs clearance → warehouse handover).

• Oversee the full export lifecycle (order confirmation → production coordination → shipment execution → customer delivery).

• Ensure accuracy and compliance of all trade documentation, including:

  • Commercial Invoice, Packing List

  • HS code classification

  • Certificate of Origin (C/O)

  • Import/export licenses

  • Customs declarations and regulatory filings

• Manage forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and export agents; negotiate service terms and monitor performance.

• Monitor shipment pipelines, proactively manage delays, and resolve operational risks.

• Coordinate closely with Logistics, Warehouse, QA, Sales, and Finance for smooth execution.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Control

• Own regulatory compliance framework for imported and exported products, especially food items.

• Oversee product declaration/self-declaration, labeling compliance, and market-specific regulatory requirements.

• Ensure adherence to international trade regulations, customs requirements, and local authority standards.

• Maintain audit-ready documentation and compliance records.

• Act as focal point for authorities, external auditors, and internal stakeholders regarding trade matters.

• Identify and mitigate operational, regulatory, and commercial risks in cross-border transactions.

4. Cost Management & Performance Analytics

• Manage total landed cost (import) and total export cost structure, including product cost, freight, duty, tax, insurance, and related fees.

• Conduct cost benchmarking and lead cost optimization initiatives across trade operations.

• Develop dashboards and performance tracking systems for:

  • Import & export cycle time

  • Shipment performance and OTIF

  • Compliance incidents

  • Cost savings and margin impact

• Provide strategic reporting and actionable insights to support commercial and pricing decisions.

5. Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead and develop the Import/Export team to ensure operational excellence and strong accountability.

• Set KPIs, monitor performance, and coach team members to build technical and leadership capabilities.

• Foster a culture of compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

III. Requirements

1. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or related field.

2. Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in import/export operations, including leadership experience.

• Strong experience in food trade compliance and cross-border operations preferred.

• Proven track record in managing end-to-end trade processes and cross-functional stakeholders.

3. Skills & Competencies

• Strategic mindset with strong ownership and accountability.

• Deep knowledge of import/export procedures, customs clearance, and trade compliance.

• Strong commercial acumen and cost management capability.

• Data-driven decision-making and reporting ability.

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and risk control capability.

4. Personal Attributes

• High accountability with strong governance mindset.

• Structured, detail-oriented, and proactive.

• Able to balance speed, cost, and compliance in a dynamic environment.