Activ8
We are seeking a highly skilled Import Manager to lead and manage import operations within our Michigan branch. As a freight forwarder, our organization requires a professional who can ensure compliant, efficient, and accurate handling of all inbound international shipments. The ideal candidate must hold an active U.S. Customs Broker License and have extensive experience working within a freight forwarding environment. Import Manager Duties: Lead and manage end-to-end import operations for air, ocean, and border shipments within a freight forwarding setting. Oversee and ensure compliance with all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, Partner Government Agencies (PGA) requirements, and international trade laws. Review and process customs entries, ensuring accurate classification, valuation, and required documentation. Coordinate with overseas agents, carriers, truckers, customs brokers, and customers to ensure timely cargo movement and clearance. Provide guidance to import coordinators and operational staff; assist with technical customs questions and escalations. Monitor and respond to customs holds, exams, or compliance issues, ensuring prompt resolution. Maintain updated knowledge of regulatory changes and ensure internal procedures align with current compliance standards. Conduct periodic compliance audits and prepare for CBP or internal audits as required. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, providing support on import regulations, documentation, and best practices. Manage KPIs related to import operations, including clearance times, accuracy, customer satisfaction, and compliance rates. Import Manager Skills: Active U.S. Customs Broker License (mandatory). Minimum 4–7 years of experience in import operations within a freight forwarder or NVOCC environment. Strong understanding of HTS classification, ISF filing, CBP regulations, PGA requirements, and ACE systems. Proven experience in air and ocean import processes, including carrier coordination and documentation requirements. Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients and stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Proficient in logistics systems, customs software, and ERP platforms. Activ8 Recruitment & Solutions / Renaissance Resources Inc. has been a trusted leader in North American recruiting for Japanese businesses for over 25 years. We specialize in connecting top talent with companies in the Automotive, Electronics, Food & Beverage, Logistics, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Banking & Finance, and Entertainment industries. Our client-focused approach ensures that we understand your unique needs, whether you’re a company seeking skilled professionals or a candidate looking for the right career opportunity. By working closely with each individual, we provide tailored solutions that drive success. We screen ALL Candidates to verify the validity of each applicant's provided information. Upon submitting your resume, we will contact only those candidates that we deem qualified for our client. If we do not contact you, we do not see the fit for the position. If we are unable to reach you in a reasonable timeframe, you will be eliminated from the pool of potential candidates. We prioritize direct applicants; third-party resumes may not be reviewed.