Senior Manager, Import-Export

Northwest Hardwoods Overview: Northwest Hardwoods is the leading manufacture of hardwood lumber in North America. A fully integrated, global supplier of wood products, NWH serves the furniture, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries. Position Summary: NWH is looking for a Senior Manager of Import/Export -Documentation to provide excellent service to our employees and customers to help grow our business. This individual will manage a team that compile the export documentation and books transportation for product that is shipped via container to destinations across the globe, as well as a team that manages the receiving and clearing of product into the United States from overseas. These teams interact with departments across the organization including Sales, Customer service, Procurement and Transportation. To be successful in this role, an individual must posse an extensive background in overseas Export and Import transportation and documentation management, specifically with a background in vessel / containerized product. This individual must also be a strong leader, with the ability to coach, grow and mentor new employees while at the same time building a strong, team-oriented group. Key Responsibilities and Duties: Manage a diverse team of 8-12 individuals that oversee the import and export documentation and transportation teams for material that is moved via ocean for up to 500 containers a month. Act as a key leader to deliver world class service to our customers while driving strategic change and implementing robust international shipment objectives. Assume a leadership role in managing the implementation of international trade documentation standards that comply with applicable local and US regulations, along with corresponding agencies and regulations outside of the United States. Assist in streamlining processes and systems to support the delivery of products, services, and information internationally, externally, and internally. Ensure that required Import and Export documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner, resulting in orders that are shipped and delivered accurately, timely, and compliant. Required documentation includes but is not limited to: Bill of Lading, packing lists, Phytosanitary, shipping instructions, etc. Establish KPIs and a continuous improvement philosophy and culture within the team, focusing on providing world class service to both internal and external customers while reducing nonvalue added activities. Act as an escalation point to quickly resolve complex issues regarding sales and purchase order management, product delivery and steamship interactions. Motivate and direct staff as they work, identifying and developing key talent. Manage employee cycle: Hire, onboard, train and guide CSRs toward exceptional sales support. Resolve personnel issues and lead employees performance management. Provide excellent and timely communication with Import/Export Specialists, Team Leaders, sales associates, customers, vendors, carriers, and various stakeholders throughout the company. Collaborate with cross functional stakeholder teams to plan and implement short- and long-term projects that support the overall improvement agenda, driving standardized business processes, efficiency gains, and personal growth opportunities for employees. Interprets and monitors the teams adherence to corporate policies and procedures, international documentation compliance. Prepare and analyze data and reports to present recommendations for continuous improvement in team and documentation processes, import and export delivery, and customer satisfaction. Operate with considerable latitude and minimal direction day-to-day and on assigned projects of increasing complexity. In the process of performing all these functions, the successful candidate will act as a Mentor and trainer of Team Leaders on all aspects of the business and as a reliable Change Agent. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications: 8+ years of established over the water international business background. Knowledge of international shipping and experience managing or coordinating shipments via containerized vessels. Import/Export compliance or supply chain management experience. 5+ years business management and supervisory experience. Experience with MS Office Suite, Supply Chain, Transportation Management systems. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors degree strongly preferred Competencies and Knowledge: Solid understand of both import and export documentation process and trade compliance requirements associated with these transactions. Experience working with containerized / vessel shipments, with direct interaction with international carriers preferred Strong knowledge of international shipping logistics and experience managing containerized vessel operations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Familiarity with commonly used import and export documents including but not limited to: Bill of Ladings, Pro Forma & commercial invoices, ISF filings and delivery instructions. Knowledge in business and management principles involved in strategic planning, compliance, resource allocation, leadership, coordination of people and resources, supply chain management, sales, international shipping, and trade regulations. Excellent organizational skills and leadership qualities and manage in a fast-paced environment. Proven history of working closely with leaders across business units to lead cross-functional projects to drive improvement and efficiency gains. Ability to take initiative on continuous improvement processes and find creative resolutions when the unexpected arises. Ability to multitask and be organized. Able to observe the details and comprehensive business outlook. Possess excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills to the various stakeholders of the company, including to senior leadership. Communicate with people inside and outside the BU, representing NWH to the public, the government, customers. Interact and communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and peers by telephone, in writing, e-mail, or in person. Make decisions independently that have broad organizational impact. Willing and able to cross-train and act as a mentor to Team Leaders and new Import/Export Documentation employees. Reporting Structure and Location: This position will report directly to the Vice President of IT and Project Operations and is based out of Frisco, Texas. Travel: None required Candidates who meet these qualifications will be considered further. Perks & Benefits: Medical Plans/Dental Coverage/Vision Coverage Prescription Plans Life Insurance Short-Term Disability Benefit Voluntary Long-Term Disability Benefit 401k Retirement Saving with Company Match Health Saving Account (HSA) Employee Assistance Program Employee Engagement Center Support Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays Employee Engagement Events and Activities Employee Referral Bonus (No cap) Additional Information: Northwest Hardwoods, Inc is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr