The Company

Since 1941, John S. James Co. has provided exceptional service to the international transportation community. Our long-standing reputation is built on professionalism, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to offering personalized solutions in customs brokerage and freight forwarding. We continue that mission today with a company culture focused on integrity, compliance, and customer service excellence.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and a progressive paid time-off program.

Role

The Import Manager is responsible for leading the Savannah Import Department and ensuring all operations are compliant, efficient, and performed with the highest level of professionalism. This role oversees staff development, regulatory adherence, departmental performance, and customer service standards across all import accounts.

This is a full-time, on-site leadership position.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Ensure the Import Department operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Oversee daily operations and take ultimate responsibility for service delivery to all import accounts.
• Identify, resolve, and proactively prevent issues affecting import transactions, customer accounts, or workflow.
• Maintain updated tariff references, manuals, and source materials for departmental use.
• Conduct regular department meetings to keep staff informed on regulatory changes, process updates, and performance expectations.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Audit import files for accuracy, regulatory compliance, and profitability.
• Ensure import staff follow standardized procedures and uphold documentation and recordkeeping requirements.
• Collaborate with the Director of Import Compliance on compliance directives and updates.

Financial Oversight

• Maintain supervision over departmental profit, expenses, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee collections for outstanding invoices within the import department.
• Review salary levels annually to ensure fairness and nondiscrimination.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Ensure the department is adequately staffed and employees are properly trained for their positions.
• Conduct annual evaluations for all Import Department employees.
• Handle personnel matters, including approving time off, addressing performance issues, and mentoring staff.
• Interview, hire, discipline, and recommend termination when appropriate, with consensus from the Office Manager.
• Work with Human Resources on employee training, onboarding, and professional development.

Customer & Internal Communication

• Maintain professional communication with customers, department peers, and upper management.
• Communicate departmental updates, events, and issues to leadership regularly.
• Represent John S. James Co. at transportation and industry-related meetings when required.
• Partner with the Sales team to support business growth and assist in securing new import accounts.

Administrative & Other Duties

• Monitor departmental supplies and ensure office equipment is maintained.
• Travel as needed for client visits, potential customers, educational seminars, or coordination with other offices.
• Participate in Managers’ Meetings and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance as an essential part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education preferred.
• Licensed Customs Broker required.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage staff effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to interpret regulations, analyze operational issues, and apply sound judgment.
• Commitment to ongoing education: minimum 20 hours of certified continuing education annually.
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on compliance, accuracy, and operational performance.