Import & Export Manager

I. Purpose:

• Lead and own end-to-end import and export operations in Vietnam for AkzoNobel’s four chemical manufacturing sites, across all BUs and functions, ensuring goods are cleared and delivered on time, in full and at optimal cost.

• Safeguard full compliance with Vietnam Customs Law, Chemical Law and related regulations as well as AkzoNobel trade compliance policies, minimising regulatory, financial and reputational risk.

• Build and develop a high-performing Import & Export team, standardise processes and drive continuous improvement in clearance lead time, cost and service level. Act as the company’s key representative with Customs and government authorities, and as trusted advisor to the Leadership Team on customs and trade matters.

II. Responsibilities:

The job holder is accountable for all import and export activities of the four chemical manufacturing sites in Vietnam, including team leadership, process governance, trade compliance, customs clearance, shipment execution, liaison with authorities and management of logistics partners.

a. People Leadership & Team Development

• Organise and lead the Import & Export department: assign work, set clear objectives and priorities, and monitor and evaluate individual performance against KPIs.

• Build development paths for the team: propose training, re-training and upskilling plans that support the company’s growth objectives and keep the team current with Chemical Law, Customs Law and related regulations.

b. Import & Export Governance & Process Optimisation

• Design, improve and implement standard import and export procedures and work instructions to optimise cost and customs clearance lead time.

• Own risk control: review and verify all import and export documentation of the department, ensuring every activity strictly complies with applicable laws and company policies.

• Act as subject-matter advisor to the Leadership Team and internal functions on customs procedures and optimal solutions for the import and export of goods.

• Lead compliance projects and master-data standardisation: guide and verify HS code classification; ensure complete and accurate documentation for Customs, post-clearance audits, manufacturing facility registration and duty refunds under the export-manufacturing regime.

• Manage and review monthly import and export costs and KPIs for each team member, ensuring transparent cost approval and identifying opportunities to reduce operating costs.

c. Operational Excellence & International Supply Chain Execution

• Monitor shipment progress and ensure goods are imported and exported according to plan, in line with agreed SLAs and service KPIs.

• Provide timely guidance and hands-on support to the team in resolving complex or non-routine import and export issues.

• Provide shipment visibility by creating and maintaining report and dashboards shared to cross-functional departments.

d. External Representation & Government Liaison

• Represent the company in meetings, negotiations and clarifications with Customs and other relevant authorities to ensure smooth and timely clearance of goods.

e. Logistics Partner Management & Development

• Manage relationships with freight forwarders and logistics partners, and establish a periodic performance evaluation framework to jointly reduce costs, improve service quality and lower operational risk.

• Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Economics, Law or a related field.

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in import and export operations and trade compliance, including proven experience leading a team.

• Experience in chemical import and export is strongly preferred (chemical declaration and licensing, HS code classifications).

• In-depth knowledge of Vietnam Customs Law, Chemical Law and related regulations, including HS classification, post-clearance audit, export-manufacturing regime and duty refund.

• Customs declaration certificate is an advantage.

• Strong leadership and people development skills; able to set KPIs, coach and build team capability.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; able to analyse cost and KPI data to drive decisions.

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills at all levels, internally and externally, especially with Customs and government authorities.

• Working knowledge of SAP or other ERP and import/export management systems.

• Fluent in English, both verbal and written.

• Ability to influence and sell ideas, concepts and programmes to internal customers, suppliers and across the AkzoNobel organisation; able to work under minimal supervision with broad direction.