Import Manager

Company Description Salé Sucré Pâtisserie, founded in 1999, is a well-known dessert brand serving discerning customers in Egypt, Dubai, and Kuwait. The company is dedicated to creating desserts that are not only delicious but also memorable experiences for guests. Its offerings are crafted to be irresistible treats for special occasions and everyday moments alike. Salé Sucré Pâtisserie values quality, creativity, and consistency, making it an attractive workplace for professionals who appreciate excellence in food and service.

Role Description The Import Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Cairo, Egypt. This role is responsible for overseeing all import operations, including managing documentation, coordinating with suppliers and freight forwarders, and ensuring timely delivery of raw materials and products. The Import Manager will monitor shipment schedules, negotiate rates and terms with logistics partners, and ensure compliance with customs regulations and company policies. Day-to-day tasks include tracking shipments, resolving delivery issues, optimizing import processes for cost and efficiency, and collaborating with procurement, finance, and warehouse teams.

Job Duties

• Own the import pipeline end-to-end: plan shipments against production needs and stock levels so ingredients arrive before we need them — never after, and never with excess port storage or demurrage.
• Manage and negotiate with service providers: freight forwarders, shipping lines, customs brokers, and inspection bodies. Benchmark rates, negotiate contracts, and hold providers accountable to deadlines.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance for food imports into Egypt: NFSA requirements, GOEIC procedures, ACID number / CargoX advance cargo filings, health certificates, certificates of origin, and shelf-life rules for imported food products.
• Control landed cost: analyze cost per shipment (freight, duties, clearance, storage, banking), use applicable trade agreements (e.g., EU–Egypt Association Agreement) to optimize duties, and report landed-cost KPIs to management.
• Handle import banking and payments: coordinate with banks on import documentation and payment instruments (letters of credit, documentary collection, transfers) in line with current CBE import regulations.
• Manage documentation: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and all certificates — accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
• Coordinate suppliers: confirm production and shipping schedules, monitor shelf-life at arrival, resolve discrepancies and claims professionally in written English.
• Resolve exceptions: vessel delays, inspection holds, document rejections — re-plan quickly, keep stakeholders informed, and protect production continuity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, business, or a related field.
• 4–7 years of hands-on import experience in Egypt , preferably in food or FMCG. Experience inside a freight forwarder, customs brokerage, or the import department of a food company is highly valued.
• Practical working knowledge of Egyptian customs clearance, ACID/CargoX filings, and NFSA/GOEIC requirements for food products.
• Experience working with banks on import payments (LC, documentary collection, transfers).
• Excellent written and spoken English — you will correspond with European suppliers daily — plus native Arabic.
• Strong Excel skills