Careers
Import Manager
About The Position
Purpose of the role:
The Import Manager is responsible for managing the company’s end-to-end import operations in Angola, ensuring full customs compliance, timely clearance and delivery of goods to the respective projects. The role combines strong hands-on expertise in Angolan customs procedures with operational management, supplier coordination, cost control and team leadership, ensuring efficient, compliant and cost-effective import operations that support project execution.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate is a hands-on Import Manager with in-depth knowledge of Angolan customs procedures and proven experience managing end-to-end import operations. They combine strong operational expertise with the ability to lead teams, manage suppliers, control costs and ensure timely delivery to projects.
- Customs Expertise: Strong practical knowledge of Angolan customs regulations and clearance procedures.
- Operational & Team Management: Ability to oversee import operations, lead teams and resolve complex operational issues.
- Supplier & Cost Management: Strong negotiation skills and experience managing logistics providers and import-related costs.
- Problem-Solving & Stakeholder Management: Proactive, results-oriented and effective in dealing with authorities, suppliers and internal project teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Import Operations & Customs Compliance
- Manage the complete import process, from documentation and regulatory requirements to customs clearance and final cargo delivery.
- Ensure compliance with Angolan customs legislation and applicable import procedures, including licenses, permits, exemptions, tariff classification and customs duties.
- Monitor shipments, anticipate potential delays and resolve customs, documentation and clearance issues.
- Maintain effective working relationships with AGT, relevant authorities, customs brokers and other institutional stakeholders.
Supplier & Logistics Management
- Manage customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airlines and other logistics service providers.
- Monitor service quality, delivery timelines and contractual commitments.
- Negotiate rates and resolve operational issues to ensure reliable and cost-effective services.
Cost Control & Performance Monitoring
- Monitor and validate import-related costs, including freight, customs duties, taxes, clearance, storage, demurrage and detention.
- Analyse cost variances, prevent unnecessary expenses and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
- Track shipment status, clearance lead times, delivery performance and operational risks, providing regular updates to management.
Team Leadership
- Lead and coordinate the Import Department, defining priorities, allocating responsibilities and monitoring team performance.
- Support the team in resolving complex operational and customs-related issues.
- Promote accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration or a related field.
- Minimum 8 years of professional experience in import operations, international trade, customs clearance or international logistics.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in Angola, managing import operations and customs clearance in accordance with local legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role, leading teams and coordinating logistics service providers.
- Strong, hands-on knowledge of Angolan customs legislation, regulations and end-to-end customs clearance procedures.
- Proven experience managing sea and air imports, including customs documentation, HS Codes, Incoterms, licenses, permits, duties and taxes.
- Demonstrated experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders and other logistics service providers, including supplier negotiations and performance monitoring.
- Proven experience in import cost control, budget monitoring, cost optimisation and operational risk management.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex customs clearance issues, prevent shipment delays and ensure timely delivery of goods.
- Experience supporting project-based operations, preferably in construction, EPC, energy or infrastructure projects.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Fluency in Portuguese and English. Mandatory
- Must have Angolan nationality. Mandatory