International Trade Officer (Export) at Alfred & Victoria Associates

Job Overview

• As part of our global expansion, we are seeking a highly skilled International Trade Officer to lead and oversee our export activities, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and market growth.

Job Summary

• The International Trade Officer will be responsible for managing and expanding the company’s export operations. 
• This includes coordinating international exhibitions, overseeing sales teams worldwide, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, and streamlining logistics for export shipments. 
• The ideal candidate should have strong experience in international trade, sales, and compliance within the food manufacturing industry

Job Responsibilities
Market Expansion & Sales Management:

• Research and register for international exhibitions, ensuring full preparation and participation.
• Recruit and oversee worldwide sales representatives, monitoring performance and setting targets.
• Identify and engage prospective customers through market research and lead generation.
• Follow up on leads from exhibitions and other international sales channels.

Regulatory Compliance & Standards:

• Research importation compliance requirements for destination countries and verify company readiness.
• Ensure company compliance with international food safety and quality standards such as BRCGS, IFS, ISO, and other regulatory certifications.
• Ensure all relevant regulatory approvals (including NAFDAC & SON registration, Import License, NXP, NACIMA, Form M and ETLS Certificate) are secured before Shipping.
• Liaise with local planning as well as OCs/Export Customers to ensure orders are shipped respecting aligned standards in terms of Lead time, MBR, MOQs, Loadable volumes per SKUs, OTIF etc.
• Track Orders and shipments in-transit and at port pending for custom clearance while ensuring Custom Clearance documents are prepared and submitted timely to avoid delays and demurrage.

Export Operations & Logistics:

• Oversee local export activities, ensuring smooth shipment of containers.
• Responsible for Export logistics while ensuring compliance with all external and international laws as regards shipping, logistics, clearing as well as regulatory/government agencies.
• Coordinate with the production and logistics teams to align export orders with manufacturing schedules.
• Optimize shipping processes to reduce costs and improve efficiency
• Prepare Shipping documents accurately and in compliance with specific markets requirements ensuring efficiency and effectiveness of imports and exports process.
• Set up, maintain and broadcast SLA to control KPIs for Import/Export operations and Carry out periodic review and assessment of Logistics Service Providers (Clearing agents/forwarders) in order to drive efficiency and cost saving initiatives.
• Establish & sustain relations with banks and other agencies associated with import & export activities.

Education / Certifications

• Minimum of HND / B.Sc (or its equivalent) in in law studies, , Social Science, International Business Trade or a related field from a recognized institution.
• 2-5 years post qualification experience (in an Import/Export Function within a manufacturing environment) or Logistics firm

Knowledge & Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in Supply Chain/Logistics with at least two years in Export operations.
• Sound Knowledge of imports & exports procedures, customs/ bank/insurance documentations and formalities.
• Excellent knowledge of international trade Incoterms and payment/documentation routing.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of import/export costing and pricing methodology

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Result oriented with excellent attention to details.
• Proactive with Strong time management skills with ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to build strong collaboration with stakeholders and team members
• Proficiency in MS Word and excel
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fluency in English, with a strong UK or US accent.
• Schooled or lived abroad – a plus.