Imports & Exports Co-ordinator - East Africa

For over 75 years, BIC has been creating ingeniously simple and joyful products that are a part of every heart and home.

As a member of our team, you'll be a part of reigniting a beloved brand as we continue to reimagine everyday essentials in new, sustainable and responsible ways.

Our "roll up your sleeves and get the job done" approach to work creates an environment where self-starters, problem solvers and innovative thinkers thrive. BIC team members are empowered to take ownership of their careers and bring their unique perspectives to the table to make a meaningful impact on our mission.

It's a colorful world - make your mark by joining the BIC team today.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Main roles

• To prepare and process export documentation i.e., EAC, COMESA certificates, and COO were applicable as per the customer’s requirements.
• Ensure that all import/export activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and international trade agreements.
• Follow up on export clients regarding customs documentation (Import entries, Exit notes and Manifests).
• Follow up on Exports truck positioning based on advised stock availability and planned loading date.
• Ensuring all the customs export procedures are adhered to before the trucks are dispatched from our Warehouse.
• Ensure all Export documentation is saved both on soft and physical files for auditing or VAT refund claim processing by Finance.
• Maintaining the outbound report on a weekly basis and following up on any documentation required.
• Managing the import process documentation right from the supplier point up to delivery of the goods. Ensure accuracy in all documents.
• Booking of PVOC inspection where applicable for finished goods coming into Kenya.
• Sharing of the required import documents well in advance with our appointed C&F agent.
• Effectively communicating with internal teams, external partners, and government authorities. Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and service providers.
• Coordinate with clearing agents to ensure timely and efficient clearance of goods through customs based on agreed upon targets for clearing.
• Managing the process regarding entry registration up to tax payment and delivery of the consignment to BIC.
• Coordinate with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and transportation providers to ensure timely and cost-effective movement of goods.
• Identify and assess potential risks related to import/export activities, such as currency fluctuations, geopolitical issues, and regulatory changes. Advise on ways to mitigate these issues.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and developments as well as emerging trends in international trade.
• Stay in constant contact with all clearing agents and other regulatory bodies to ensure BIC East Africa is always in compliance with all regulations.
• Maintaining the inbound report and hold meetings with MNF & Supply Chain teams on updates of the current shipments on a weekly basis.
• Processing of supplier payments including raising PO for services and ensuring proper billing from the suppliers.
• Maintaining and updating the supplier invoice report on a daily and weekly basis.
• Maintain organized records of shipments and transactions for auditing and regulatory compliance purposes.
• Ensure all exports are exited in the customs system monthly to allow VAT refunds processing by Tax consultant

Academic and Professional qualifications

A Bachelor Degree in supply chain management or from a related field is an added advantage.

Professional work experience

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Imports/ Exports supervisory roles.

Experience working in a manufacturing

BIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly commit to hiring people with different backgrounds and experiences to help us build better products, make better decisions, and better serve our customers. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or similar characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

BIC is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any team member at BIC via email, or directly to a BIC team member in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of BIC, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by BIC as a result of the referral or through other means.