SUMMARY
The Ocean Import Manager will coordinate and serve as the main point of contact for all inbound freight, managing the process from origin to final delivery. This role owns carrier and RFP management, container tracking, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation, while providing exceptional service to internal stakeholders and Distribution Centers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and manage the timely movement of inbound ocean freight, serving as the primary point of contact for the Import department
- Own container scheduling, consolidation, tracking, and reporting
- Review ETA information daily and provide proactive alerts when delays are expected
- Manage daily reporting and other data entry activities in an accurate and timely manner, to ensure that the import database is kept updated
- Manage risk across the import supply chain, including port delays, carrier disruptions, and compliance exposure
- Monitor industry and market trends and analyze data to prepare forecasts and get ahead of potential import risks; present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders
- Coordinate the release of goods from customs, carriers, and government agencies, ensuring all holds are cleared prior to discharge and containers are released from the Distribution Centers within carrier-allotted free time
- Identify problem shipments early and coordinate resolution and implementation of solutions with internal and external stakeholders
- Build and strengthen relationships with carriers, suppliers, and freight forwarders to improve pricing, service levels, and reliability
- Manage the RFP process and annual carrier contract reviews, including rate negotiation, proposal development, and recommendations to senior leadership
- Oversee seized inventory and determine to keep or discard; suggest appropriate actions to the leadership team and coordinate accordingly
- Complete Importer Security Filings (ISF) when required, and review/submit import documentation to customs brokers for ocean and air shipments
- Maintain regulatory compliance knowledge, including Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and tariff/trade policy changes affecting landed cost
- Review and approve invoices from brokers, carriers, and truckers in a timely manner
- Direct communication with Purchasing Team to align on domestic freight tracking
- Coordinate with our Taipei, Taiwan office regarding space usage and shipment planning
- Work closely with transportation providers to confirm shipping space, ETAs, routing, port releases, delivery appointments, and empty container returns
- Maintain knowledge of KSI services and products, and assume other duties as assigned as business needs change
QUALIFICATIONS & KEY COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred, but not mandatory with equivalent work experience.
- 5+ years of Ocean Import experience, or in a similar role
- Experience in International Logistics and Supply Chain
- Working knowledge of HTS classification, tariff schedules, and import regulatory compliance.
- MS Excel skills and knowledge (advanced level of understanding or above), and strong working knowledge of MS Word and other M365 apps
- Proactive approach with high standards, sound judgment, and strong attention to detail
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and multi-tasking skills
- Ability to deliver accurate, consistent information under time pressure.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing business and environmental conditions
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Analytical/Data-Driven Decision Making
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to constantly use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to lift/pull/move up to 15 pounds, occasionally
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel frequently throughout the workday
- Primarily sedentary office work, performed in a professional office or hybrid/remote setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting and frequent use of standard office equipment
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via electronic communication
- Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low
Benefits:
KSI Auto Parts offers a competitive benefits package, including PTO, paid holidays, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, employer-paid life insurance up to $50,000, and supplemental insurance options. We also provide a $500 employer HSA contribution for those employees enrolled in an HSA-eligible plan. In addition, we offer a $500 employee referral bonus, and access to employee discounts through our healthcare and payroll partners.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The employee frequently is required to sit and is occasionally required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
EEO: KSI Auto Parts provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
E-VERIFY: KSI Auto Parts and its subsidiaries use E-verify, a government-run, web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. For more information, please go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees
Monday - Friday; 8-hours/day with a start time between 8:00-9:00am
Skills Required
- 5+ years of ocean import experience or experience in a similar role
- Experience in international logistics and supply chain
- Working knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, tariff schedules, and import regulatory compliance
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and other Microsoft 365 applications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and multitasking skills
- Ability to deliver accurate and consistent information under time pressure
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving skills
What We Do
For over 30 years, the KSI Group has been an industry leader for quality replacement auto body parts with a reputation for superior customer service. Established in 1984, the KSI Group has expanded its territory to 25 locations servicing 15 states and growing.
