Import Officer at Sagar Vitaceuticals – Ikeja, Lagos

Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Limited is recruiting an Import Officer in Ikeja, Lagos. The position manages import documentation, customs clearance, shipping coordination, port activities and import cost tracking.

Job Summary

• The Import Officer is responsible for managing and coordinating the end-to-end importation processes of the company (including raw materials, packaging components, machinery, and spare parts).
• The role ensures that all shipments comply with Nigerian trade laws, customs regulations, and regulatory standards.
• The ideal candidate works closely with clearing agents, freight forwarders, banks, and regulatory bodies to guarantee seamless, cost-effective, and timely clearance and delivery of goods to the factory or warehouse.

Key Responsibilities

Import Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate end-to-end import processes from initial purchase order placement to final warehouse delivery.
• Track shipments globally, monitoring vessel ETAs and cargo movement to ensure continuous operations.

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and process critical shipping and banking documents, including Form M, PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report), Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, and Certificates of Analysis (CoA).
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory policies (such as guidelines by the Nigeria Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, and relevant standards agencies like NAFDAC or SON depending on industry requirements).

Stakeholder & Agent Management

• Liaise smoothly with overseas suppliers, shipping lines, terminals, and clearing agents to expedite clearance.
• Coordinate field operations, including port/terminal inspections and container examinations to prevent unnecessary delays.

Cost & Financial Control

• Calculate, track, and manage import duties, tariffs, taxes, freight charges, and other logistics expenses.
• Optimize logistics processes to minimize storage fees, demurrage, and port charges.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date daily shipment trackers and detailed logs of all import transactions.
• Provide management with regular updates regarding clearance status, bottlenecks, or regulatory holds.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: B.Sc., B.A., or HND in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Economic, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in import operations, logistics, or customs clearance (preferably within a manufacturing or structured trading environment).

Technical Skills

• Sound knowledge of Nigerian import procedures, port operations, and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) processes.
• Familiarity with electronic portals (Nigeria Trade Portal/NICIS) for Form M and PAAR processing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially advanced Excel for tracking and reporting).

Personal Attributes

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple shipments under tight deadlines and pressure