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Role Objective:- To lead and manage the entire import function of the organization, ensuring timely, cost-efficient, and compliant sourcing of chemicals, petrochemical products, and raw materials from global markets. The role will focus on optimizing supplier relationships, strengthening compliance, and driving import strategies aligned with the business objectives.Key Responsibilities:-Import Operations & Compliance  Lead and oversee end-to-end import operations including shipment schedules, documentation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance. Ensure adherence to DGFT, BIS, Port, Customs, and RBI guidelines applicable to import of chemicals and petrochemicals. Coordinate with CHA (Custom House Agents), shipping lines, freight forwarders, and port authorities for smooth operations. Ensure compliance with hazardous chemical import norms, REACH regulations, and safety standards. Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with international suppliers to procure feedstock, intermediates, and specialty chemicals at optimal price and quality. Develop long-term strategic sourcing partnerships with global suppliers in GCC, Southeast Asia, Europe, and US markets. Monitor international market trends, global crude/petrochemical prices, and forex fluctuations to minimize procurement risks. Logistics & Cost Optimization Plan, monitor, and optimize freight booking, container utilization, and demurrage avoidance. Evaluate Incoterms (FOB, CIF, CFR, etc.) and shipping strategies for cost effectiveness. Identify cost reduction opportunities in freight, insurance, customs clearance, and warehousing.Cross-functional Coordination  Collaborate closely with Finance & Accounts team for LC (Letter of Credit), TT payment planning, foreign exchange hedging, and duty payment. Support Production and planning teams in ensuring uninterrupted supply of imported raw material for continuous plant operations. Work with Legal/Compliance departments on contracts, MoUs, and dispute resolution with global counterparts. Team Leadership & Development Lead and mentor a team handling imports, documentation, and coordination with overseas suppliers. Build future capabilities through training on new trade policies, ERP systems, and import best practices. Key Skills & Competencies Strong knowledge of international trade regulations, import documentation, and customs procedures. Established relationships with global shipping lines, freight forwarders, international suppliers, and CHAs. Expertise in handling large-volume import transactions specific to chemicals, petrochemicals, and hazardous materials. Excellent commercial negotiation skills and contract management ability. Sound understanding of global petrochemical supply chains, pricing mechanisms, and currency exchange fluctuations. Leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management capabilities.  Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and MS Office.Qualification & Experience Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering / MBA - International Trade / Commerce / Supply Chain. MBA or Postgraduate in International Business / Logistics preferred. Minimum 15 years of hands-on experience in Import Management within the Chemical / Petrochemical industry. Proven success record of managing high-value imports, supplier negotiations, and cross-border trade compliance. Reporting & Interface Reports to: Head – Commercial / VP – Supply Chain / Director – Operations Interfaces with: Global Suppliers, CHA/Forwarding Agents, Finance, Planning, Production, and Senior Management.Career Proposition:The role offers high visibility and strategic impact on business growth with complete ownership of imports.Linkedin :