Foreign Trade Specialist

Job Description

Lead coordinate and optimize foreign trade operations (imports exports and customs regimes) ensuring compliance with national and international regulations proper document management logistics efficiency appropriate cold-chain handling and strategic administration of financial resources. Ensure continuity of supply for the biopharmaceutical portfolio and support supply chain objectives in Colombia.

Responsibilities

Import Export & Foreign Trade Management
Support all import and export operations ensuring compliance with corporate standards customs regulations and applicable sanitary requirements.
Review and validate shipment documents prior to sending them to the customs broker/agent.
Enter order information into internal systems (ERP and foreign trade systems).
Coordinate and manage the payment of duties/taxes and other foreign trade-related charges together with Finance.
Coordinate shipments with customs brokers/agents freight forwarders carriers and consolidators.
Monitor special cold-chain requirements (e.g. envirotainers monitoring devices and temperature records).
Follow up on import licenses sanitary permits/authorizations and pre-shipment documentation as applicable.
Coordinate and ensure shipment transportation and customs clearance according to the plan and committed dates.

Regulatory Compliance & Trade Compliance
Partner with In Market Quality to prepare and maintain the documentation required for importing/exporting medicines (including biologics) in line with local regulations.
Ensure compliance with internal policies SOPs and applicable foreign trade regulations (customs tax and FX/currency requirements as applicable).
Coordinate activities related to special customs regimes and trade facilitation programs when applicable (e.g. bonded warehouses free trade zones temporary importation among others).
Maintain strong security and traceability standards to meet certification and supply-chain security scheme requirements acting as the OEA/AEO Lead.
Participate in internal and external audits ensuring documentation evidence is current and complete.

Optimization Continuous Improvement & Cost Management
Identify opportunities to improve foreign trade logistics and supply chain processes.
Collaborate with Cost/Finance to validate related expenses and ensure accurate product cost updates.
Generate monthly metrics and area reports for local and regional/corporate needs.
Promote innovation digitalization automation and operational simplification.
Design and execute contingency plans to address logistics disruptions or regulatory changes.

Team Resources & Stakeholder Management
Manage the areas financial resources including onboarding for new personnel focused on OEA/AEO knowledge.
Evaluate the performance and service levels of customs brokers/agents carriers and freight forwarders.
Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders: planning quality regulatory finance legal procurement security among others.
Support the execution of regional projects and new business cases.

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
Ensure compliance with applicable Good Practices (e.g. GMP/GDP) and quality requirements for storage distribution and transportation per current regulation.
Comply with applicable sanitary regulations customs/tax requirements and corporate policies.
Participate in quality safety compliance and regulatory training.
Keep procedures and documentation updated according to audits and regulatory changes.

Country-specific notes (reference)
Colombia: interaction with DIAN (customs) and INVIMA (health authority) depending on role scope.

Requirements
Bachelors degree in International Business/Trade International Relations Business Administration Industrial Engineering or related field.
Preferred: MBA or related postgraduate studies.

Experience:
4 years of proven experience in foreign trade supply chain or logistics in the pharmaceutical industry or highly regulated sectors.
Experience in cold-chain handling and importation of biologics and/or temperature-controlled products.
Interaction with customs brokers/agents regulatory authorities freight forwarders and customs entities.

Technical Knowledge:
Customs and foreign trade regulations applicable in Colombia.
Current trade agreements and their operational impact (as applicable).
Customs regimes and special programs (e.g. free trade zones temporary importation bonded warehouses/deposits) as applicable.
Tariff classification.
Incoterms.
Microsoft Office; ERP (e.g. SAP) and foreign trade systems; analytics tools (Power BI Tableau).

Languages:
Advanced English (spoken written read).

Competencies / Required Skills
Leadership strategic thinking and customer focus.
Problem-solving with a sense of urgency.
Teamwork under pressure.
Adaptability to change and a continuous improvement mindset.
Budget management and financial control.
Assertive communication and stakeholder management.

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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