The Import Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial, regulatory, and operational coordination of import activities following procurement, ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective execution of approved imports critical to business operations. The role manages trade finance, foreign payments, FX coordination, import documentation, customs clearance, import cost control, and regulatory compliance while partnering closely with Procurement, Treasury, Supply Chain, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless import execution and business continuity. The role is responsible for minimizing financial, regulatory, and operational risks associated with imports while providing visibility into import obligations, foreign liabilities, and shipment status to support informed decision-making and uninterrupted operations.
Job Details
Import Coordination & Transaction Management
Work closely with Procurement to ensure seamless transition from sourcing and supplier award to import execution, trade documentation, shipment coordination, and financial settlement.
Monitor shipment timelines and cargo movement to ensure timely arrival of imported materials and minimize supply disruptions to operations.
Track shipment milestones and proactively escalate documentation gaps, shipment delays, regulatory bottlenecks, or financial risks impacting import timelines.
Coordinate with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Farms, Veterinary Services, Production, and Finance teams to align shipment priorities with business continuity requirements.
Maintain visibility on open import transactions and ensure timely closure of import cycles.
Trade Finance, FX & Foreign Payment Management
Lead all trade finance and foreign payment activities relating to imports, ensuring timely execution, financial control, and regulatory compliance.
Manage the administration and processing of trade finance instruments including:
Letters of Credit (LC)
Form M establishment and management
Bills for Collection
Telegraphic Transfers (TT)
Advance Payments
Shipping Guarantees
Bills for Import Collection
Serve as the primary liaison with commercial banks, financial institutions, and trade service providers to facilitate foreign exchange sourcing, import financing, and payment execution.
Ensure compliance with all applicable foreign exchange regulations, central banking guidelines, and trade finance requirements.
Monitor FX requirements and exposure for import obligations, providing insights to support efficient foreign currency planning and utilization.
Coordinate timely supplier payment processing to avoid shipment delays, supply interruptions, or contractual penalties.
Maintain robust tracking of import payment obligations, foreign liabilities, maturity schedules, and outstanding commitments.
Import Documentation, Regulatory & Customs Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all statutory, customs, and regulatory requirements governing importation activities.
Oversee the preparation, review, accuracy, and completeness of import-related documentation, including:
Form M
Proforma Invoice
Commercial Invoice
Final Invoice
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Packing List
SONCAP Documentation
NAFDAC Approvals
Veterinary and Quarantine Permits
PAAR Processing
Import Duty Documentation
Insurance Certificates
Customs Documentation
Manage relationships and engagement with relevant regulatory authorities and trade partners, including:
Nigeria Customs Service
Federal Ministry of Agriculture
NAFDAC
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
Quarantine Services
Port Authorities
Commercial Banks
Trade Service Providers
Ensure timely processing of customs documentation and cargo clearance while minimizing regulatory exposure, delays, penalties, and non-compliance risks.
Continuously monitor changes in import regulations, tariffs, levies, and government trade policies to ensure business compliance.
Import Cost Control & Financial Optimization
Monitor, review, and control all import-related costs to ensure cost efficiency, transparency, and financial discipline.
Manage and optimize import-related expenditures including:
Freight costs
Clearing expenses
Customs duties and levies
Port charges
Insurance costs
Demurrage and detention costs
Drive initiatives to minimize avoidable import-related costs and eliminate inefficiencies in import execution and cargo clearance.
Conduct landed cost analysis and support Finance and Procurement with financial insights on import economics and cost implications.
Support budgeting, forecasting, accruals, and financial planning for import-related obligations and foreign payment commitments.
Ensure timely reconciliation of import costs against approved budgets and shipment documentation.
Stakeholder & Service Provider Management
Manage relationships with banks, clearing agents, customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and trade service providers to ensure efficient service delivery.
Monitor clearing and logistics partner performance against agreed service levels, turnaround times, compliance expectations, and cost parameters.
Resolve escalated issues impacting shipment processing, documentation, customs clearance, or payment execution.
Collaborate effectively with Procurement, Accounts Payable, Supply Chain, and operational teams to ensure seamless import execution.
Risk Management, Governance & Controls
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with import financing and execution, including:
Foreign exchange volatility
Documentation discrepancies
Regulatory non-compliance
Shipment delays
Customs disputes and penalties
Supplier payment risks
Financial exposure arising from import obligations
Ensure strong governance, financial controls, and audit readiness across all import transactions and supporting documentation.
Conduct periodic reconciliation of import records, shipment documentation, payment schedules, and financial obligations to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Support internal and external audits by maintaining accurate, traceable, and compliant import documentation and records.
Reporting & Performance Management
Prepare periodic import and trade finance reports for management decision-making, including:
Import transaction status
Shipment and clearance timelines
FX utilization and exposure
Open Form M obligations
Outstanding supplier payments
Import-related costs and variances
Demurrage and detention exposure
Regulatory and compliance updates
Track and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve efficiency, cost management, compliance, and turnaround times.
Provide management with visibility into import-related risks, financial commitments, bottlenecks, and operational dependencies.
Education
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or a related field
Requirements
Experience
Proven 8- 10 years' experience in import management, trade finance, or supply chain/logistics operations
Hands-on experience managing trade finance instruments — Letters of Credit (LC), Form M, Bills for Collection, Telegraphic Transfers, Advance Payments, and Shipping Guarantees
Experience liaising with commercial banks, clearing agents, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities
Knowledge & Skills
Strong knowledge of Nigerian customs regulations, CBN foreign exchange policies, and government trade compliance requirements
Familiarity with import documentation — Commercial Invoices, Bills of Lading, SONCAP, PAAR, NAFDAC approvals, Veterinary & Quarantine Permits
Understanding of landed cost analysis, import cost control, and budget management
Solid grasp of FX exposure monitoring and foreign payment obligation tracking
Competencies
Strong analytical and financial reporting skills
Excellent stakeholder and relationship management
Attention to detail and high level of accuracy in documentation
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate import-related risks
Strong coordination and communication skills across cross-functional teams