IMPORT MANAGER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Aug 14, 2025 - The Import Manager possesses deep knowledge of import processes, regulations, and multimodal freight operations across ocean, air, road, and rail markets. This role requires strong analytical, planning, and data management skills, with proficiency in Excel, SAP systems, and data-driven operational improvements. The manager also demands effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities to manage fast-paced challenges while ensuring commercial and operational efficiency.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for an Import Manager Resume
  • Performance Management
  • Quality Evaluation
  • Operational Planning
  • Supply Planning
  • Process Improvement
  • Account Monitoring
  • Project Planning
  • Shipment Coordination
  • Market Monitoring
  • Customs Clearance
  • Staff Supervision
  • Customer Partnership
  • Escalation Handling
  • Network Coordination
  • Team Management
  • Staff Training
  • Problem Solving
  • Vendor Management
  • Client Communication
  • Issue Resolution

Summary of Import Manager Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Global Trade and Logistics with 6 years of Experience

  • Must be independent and flexible, with solid communication skills, and a strong customer focus
  • Spoken and written Arabic and English language skills
  • Outstanding analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  • Must be detail-oriented with a demonstrated ability to self-motivate and follow through on issues
  • Must have Supply Chain and Planning knowledge through work experience or coursework
  • Proficiency in SQL, Microsoft Excel and basic programming skills
  • Experience in Logistics Cost Reduction-related projects and KPI performance tracking
  • Experience in Operations, Logistics and freight forwarding
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Strong program management skills and ability to prioritize in a complex, fast-paced environment

2. BA in Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in Air and Ocean Import experience
  • Must have organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven experience within the Shipping industry
  • Good experience in maintaining customer relationships
  • Strong managerial skills and good teamwork
  • Ability to work independently and under pressure
  • Proactive with great attention to detail
  • Good computer knowledge (tech savvy) and demonstrable knowledge of MS-Office Outlook, Excel, and Word

3. BA in Transportation Management with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience as an Import Manager or Key Account Manager within a freight forwarding environment
  • Good knowledge of the Freight Forwarding industry and understanding of the market context
  • Experience in high-value client acquisition and satisfaction
  • Previous experience of working with CargoWise or similar Freight Forwarding management systems
  • Ability to show an understanding of analytics and useful insights that enable acquisition and retention
  • Good people management, leadership and influential skills
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft products, in particular Word, Excel and Outlook

4. BS in Logistics Engineering with 3 years of Experience

  • Working experience in international logistics experience
  • Able to thrive in a nimble entrepreneurial environment
  • Knowledge of Blue Cherry/ Amazon Vendor Central / VMS
  • Experience working at an air and ocean freight forwarder
  • Knowledge of how to arrange ocean/air import and ocean/air export
  • Experience working as a Q.I. for an FMC-NVOCC licensed freight forwarder
  • Experience with negotiating with ocean, NVOCC, and trucking companies
  • Good at creating working instructions, SOP
  • Excellent computer skills both Excel, Word and PowerPoint
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

5. BA in International Business with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience with Ocean freight forwarding
  • Experience of leadership in the freight forwarding industry
  • Must have Hazmat/DG experience or certification
  • Working experience in CargoWise software 
  • Exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, and presentations)
  • Strong computer skills, especially in Microsoft (i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
  • Demonstrated leadership ability to include driving KPIs, employee engagement/team building
  • Strong ability to develop, coach, train, and mentor staff to success
  • Familiarity with CBP regulations and compliance
  • Familiarity with ERP Systems (SAP) and Warehouse Management System (WMS) 
  • Excellent collaboration and Interpersonal Skills
  • Able to work well under pressure and multitask

6. BA in International Relations with 5 years of Experience

  • Knowledge and understanding of import processes and regulations
  • Operational experience of the ocean, air, road and rail freight markets both near and far sourced
  • Able to take ownership and responsibility, proactively seeks out solutions and opportunities to improve data accuracy and operational requirements
  • Proven ability to work with multiple levels of leadership and stakeholders
  • Clear and engaging communicator with strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Must have excellent Excel skills, be competent in data analytics and insight
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and at times, challenging environment and have the patience to address challenges calmly with a solution-based approach
  • Working knowledge of SAP (SAP R/3 and SAP S4 Hana)
  • Strong analytical and planning skills
  • Strong operational and commercial awareness

7. BA in Logistics and Supply Chain with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in Brokerage/Forwarding
  • Proficient in the Microsoft suite with strong Excel Skills
  • Must have strong classification skills
  • In-depth knowledge of Customs regulations and import processes
  • Some previous management/supervisory experience 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to analyze information, think through difficult problems, and make critical decisions based on limited information
  • Ability to effectively interact with varying position levels including senior management

8. BA in Global Supply Chain with 8 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of SAP R/3 and SAP S4Hana
  • Operational experience of the ocean, air, road and rail freight markets
  • Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, being competent in data analysis and insight
  • Working clarity of International import regulations and processes
  • Previous success implementing new supply chain operations in-house
  • Be a clear communicator with strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Must have a background in Import Operations at a senior operations, sales, and commercial level to control the Munich branch Import function
  • Experience in the industry in a development and operations capacity, consistently performing to ensure sales targets are hit and the logistical aspects are satisfied on a day-to-day and strategic level
  • Able to demonstrate strong leadership skills
  • Prior experience within Air and Sea Freight Forwarding in the Munich market specifically
  • Experience in a logistics environment in several different disciplines and locations 

9. BS in Business and International Studies with 3 years of Experience

  • Significant experience in database systems management
  • Working experience in team management
  • Significant experience in managing and maintaining data integrity
  • Proven experience of keeping up to date with and applying good practice
  • Proven ability to communicate complex data and analysis
  • Proven IT literacy with significant experience in MS Office
  • Ability and motivation to deliver high-quality work with minimum supervision
  • Must have strategic planning skills
  • Must have organizational skills (prioritize, plan, assign and control)
  • Able to work in a diverse environment and culture