Import Export Manager

Company Description

Arboreal is an award-winning ingredients technology company dedicated to developing and delivering innovative functional ingredients and systems for specialty food and nutraceutical brands. Our mission is to provide "Better for You" Brands with superior recipes, nutrition, functionality, and advantages like clean labels and cost reduction while transitioning from artificial ingredients. We specialize in categories such as Sugar Reduction Ingredients, Alternative Proteins, Cacao Ingredients, and Nutraceutical Formulations, and work hand-in-hand with founders and brand owners to launch successful products globally. Join us in creating a healthier tomorrow together.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for an Import Export Manager located in Lucknow. The Import Export Manager will oversee the daily operations of international trade activities, including import-export processes, documentation, and ensuring compliance with global trade regulations.

The role involves communicating with suppliers, customers, and internal teams to manage the efficient flow of goods, and ensuring timely and accurate documentation for shipments.

Additionally, the manager will be responsible for negotiating contracts, managing customs procedures, and mitigating risks associated with international trade. Expertise in customs laws, duty payments, trade compliance, and global trade certifications. Collaborate with global teams, HSE, finance, tax, plant, warehouse, and transportation teams to optimize processes and enhance trade execution. Ensure safety, productivity, and compliance with international and regional regulations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Import & Export operations, preferably in the food/nutraceutical ingredients industry.
• Strong knowledge of customs laws, trade compliance, HSN codes, duty structures, and tax laws.
• Experience in managing CHAs, customs clearance, bonded warehousing, and international trade documentation.
• Proficiency in ICEGATE, and other customs/trade platforms for real-time tracking and process optimization.
• Expertise in global trade laws, tax structures, and duty optimization strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience in people management and cross-functional stakeholder collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage complex supply chain operations, and drive cost efficiencies.
• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, or a related field (MBA Preferred)

Key Responsibilities

Import & Export Operations

• Manage end-to-end import/export activities across multiple ports, ensuring regulatory compliance and duty payments.
• Manage shipments, including containers, ISO tanks, and bonded warehousing.
• Ensure accurate trade documentation for seamless customs clearance.
• Handle drop shipments and international trade transactions using customs platforms.
• Collaborate with global counterparts, COE, finance, supply chain, and tax teams.
• Manage trade certifications and compliance programs for future-readiness.

Customs & Compliance Management

• Work with customs handling agents to ensure smooth clearance and accurate tariff classification.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with customs laws, tariff regulations, and global trade standards.
• Align with international trade compliance initiatives to mitigate risks.
• Manage customs site operations and ensure accurate trade documentation.

Cost Efficiency & Vendor Management

• Manage trade-related expenses by optimizing costs through vendor negotiations and duty structuring.
• Control freight, demurrage, and detention costs to maintain budget efficiency.
• Evaluate customs handling agent performance to drive continuous improvement.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives to enhance trade efficiency.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Process Optimization

• Align import/export strategies with business objectives, working closely with global and regional teams.
• Partner with finance, tax, and regulatory teams to ensure compliance with duty structures and trade laws.
• Work with transportation, warehousing, and supply chain teams to streamline logistics and reduce transit delays.
• Optimize trade processes using digital platforms for better efficiency and transparency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing import/export team, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Mentor and train team members on trade compliance, customs regulations, and operational efficiency.
• Drive certification programs (AEO and related initiatives) for continuous compliance and excellence.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Global Perspective
• Agility, Innovation & Competitiveness
• Process-Oriented & Results-Driven
• Strong Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
• Independent Leadership & Decision-Making
• Trade Compliance & Regulatory Expertise

What we offer

1) Competitive Compensation. The candidates can expect a CTC of 6-15LPA as a combination of Fixed + Incentive linked to qualifications, experience and performance. We do not follow the industry norms of linear growth in compensation. We are a fast scaling business and offer excellent financial growth to top performers and ESOPs to long term growth performers.

2) Fast track personal and professional growth. The executive will work directly with the Founders and a high quality team. Learning experience of joining and scaling a high quality startup at an early stage.

3) An opportunity for personal impact where you help improve quality standards for 100s of food ingredients and revolutionize ease of sourcing for thousands of Indian SMEs.

Please do not apply if

1) You are not based or willing to relocate to Lucknow.

2) You cannot operate without active supervision.

3) You are not ambitious with a strong drive to succeed.

We are highly highly selective. If you do not hear back from us within 3 weeks of your application, please assume that your application was unsuccessful at this time.