Import Manager

Purpose of the Role

To manage trade finance and import operations, ensuring timely processing of trade finance instruments, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination with banks, suppliers, customs authorities and internal stakeholders.

The role will support seamless import transactions and trade finance activities while ensuring adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

A. Trade Finance Management

• Manage Letters of Credit (LCs), Bank Guarantees (BGs), buyer's credit and other import finance instruments.
• Coordinate with banks for the issuance, amendment, extension and closure of trade finance instruments.
• Monitor instrument validity, utilisation, maturity dates and payment obligations.
• Coordinate with internal finance and treasury teams to support import financing requirements.
• Ensure timely processing of import payments and related banking transactions.

Import Operations & Documentation

• Manage import-related documentation and ensure accurate and timely submission to banks and other relevant parties.
• Verify commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, bills of entry and other supporting import documents, as applicable.
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers and internal teams to resolve documentation discrepancies.
• Track import shipments and documentation status to facilitate timely clearance and payment processing.
• Maintain proper records of import transactions, finance instruments and supporting documentation.

Banking & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with banks on LC documentation, import bills, payment settlements, buyer's credit and other trade finance requirements.
• Coordinate with suppliers and service providers to ensure timely receipt of documents and resolution of discrepancies.
• Work closely with procurement, logistics, finance, treasury and other internal stakeholders.
• Follow up on pending transactions, document approvals, payment due dates and bank confirmations.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to applicable FEMA, RBI and other relevant trade finance and import regulations.
• Monitor compliance requirements relating to import transactions, foreign currency payments and banking documentation.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in trade documents in coordination with banks and relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain documentation and records required for internal and statutory audits.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, approval workflows and financial controls.

Reporting & Process Management

• Maintain trackers for LCs, BGs, buyer's credit, import payments and pending documentation.
• Monitor upcoming maturities, payment schedules and instrument expiry dates.
• Prepare periodic MIS reports on import transactions, outstanding instruments and pending bank submissions.
• Identify process gaps and support improvements in documentation accuracy, turnaround time and operational efficiency.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of trade finance instruments, including LCs, BGs and buyer's credit.
• Practical knowledge of import operations and trade documentation.
• Understanding of FEMA, RBI guidelines and applicable import compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating with banks, suppliers, customs brokers and logistics partners.
• Ability to identify documentation discrepancies and resolve issues within stipulated timelines.
• Strong follow-up, reconciliation, reporting and record-management skills

Education:

• CA / MBA in Finance / Graduate in Commerce.

Experience:

• 610 years of relevant experience in trade finance, import operations, banking documentation or treasury operations.
• Hands-on experience managing LCs, BGs, buyer's credit and import finance transactions.
• Experience working with banks and coordinating import documentation and compliance activities.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate submission of trade finance documentation.
• Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Timely processing of import payments and finance instruments.
• Reduction in documentation discrepancies and transaction delays.
• Effective tracking of instrument validity, maturities and outstanding transactions.
• Timely resolution of issues with banks, suppliers and customs stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile: A trade finance professional with strong hands-on experience in import operations, LC and BG management, buyer's credit, banking documentation and regulatory compliance, capable of ensuring smooth, accurate and timely execution of import transactions.