Import Coordinator

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

1/ Principal Accountabilities:

Job Summary

The Import Coordinator manages and coordinates the complete import process, ensuring compliance with banking and customs requirements, timely shipment execution, and effective financial coordination. The role acts as the main link between suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, banks, and internal finance teams to ensure smooth import operations while minimizing delays, penalties, and additional costs.

Key Responsibilities

Import Documentation & Compliance

• Manage, review, and verify all import documentation to ensure compliance with customs regulations, banking requirements, and company procedures.
• Coordinate the preparation and availability of required import documents before shipment arrival to ensure timely customs clearance and avoid demurrage, detention, and penalty charges.
• Maintain accurate records of import documents, shipment files, and compliance requirements.

Payment & Financial Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor international payment processes with suppliers and financial institutions, including Letter of Credit (LC), Documentary Remittance, and bank transfers (TT).
• Manage payment follow-up for offshore suppliers and local customs forwarders in coordination with the Finance Department to ensure timely settlement of obligations.
• Support finance planning and budgeting activities by providing accurate forecasts of upcoming import-related payments, including supplier payments, freight costs, customs duties, and other related expenses.

Shipment Monitoring & Logistics Coordination

• Track shipments daily and monitor key milestones, including shipment status, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and potential delays.
• Coordinate with suppliers, forwarders, customs brokers, and internal teams to ensure shipments progress according to schedule.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues that may impact delivery timelines, customs clearance, or operational costs.

Reporting & KPI Management

• Provide regular updates on shipment status, documentation readiness, payment progress, and potential risks.
• Ensure import activities meet company KPIs related to customs compliance, document readiness, shipment timelines, and cost control.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to optimize import processes and reduce operational risks.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in import operations, international trade, logistics, or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of import documentation, customs procedures, and international payment methods.
• Knowledge of LC, Documentary Remittance, and international bank transfer processes.
• Strong coordination, organization, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented with strong compliance and follow-up capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with international suppliers, logistics partners, banks, and internal stakeholders.

   Sustainability: 

•      Be a role-model for safe and sustainable operations environment
•      Run daily planning DDS and ensure proper drive of Safety DMS actions & drumbea
•      Comply by all the Sustainability standards & rules and follow the instruction given by Sustainability team and managers 
•      Ensure proper management of the checklists & controls, when needed 
•      Ensure usage of necessary PPE  
•     Report near misses and risks    

2/ Additional Information

Knowledge Skills & Experience

•                           University degree from Engineering, Finance or Logistics diciplines
•                          Min 2 years’ experience in a FMCG / Banking / Forwarder / 3PL company of which experienced in the logistics and/or importation  will be an advantage

          Communication: 

•           Communication (written and verbal) and Inter-personal skills       
•        Fluent English knowledge for both written and verbal.

       Other:

•          Computer literacy (Excellent knowledge of MS Office
•           Decision making
•            Negotiating
•           Attention to detail
•          Good understanding of basic finance principles

Key Success Factors:

•     On time issue&discharge of imported materials/autorizations/certificates
•     To keep good relationships with government agencies
•     OTIF delivery for needed documentation for importation

Working Relationships :

Internal :

•     Planning & Logistics
•      Operations & Commercial Finance
•     Direct Procurement
•   Production Engineering  & Engineering Tea

 External :

• Suppliers

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.