Job Summary:

The Import Sourcing Specialist will identify and secure reliable sources of quality goods from foreign suppliers, negotiating pricing, payment terms, and delivery cycles to meet the needs of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assesses foreign suppliers of goods, analyzing performance and satisfaction in terms of pricing, supply, delivery, and quality.
• Develops and maintains relationships with prospective suppliers by visiting foreign locations and discussing price, product quality, and delivery cycles.
• Verifies business and financial references of prospective suppliers.
• Recommends potential suppliers to purchasing director or other appropriate staff.
• Coordinates trial orders with new suppliers.
• Coordinates and expedites import process as required.
• Oversees delivery dates, quality of production, and sufficiency of product.
• Negotiates terms of payments with suppliers.
• Identifies and implements preferred payment methods.
• Maintains current knowledge of external factors that could affect availability of goods and pricing; examples include applicable import regulations, taxes, tariffs, and political and economic situations in the countries of origin.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Basic understanding of the types of goods to be purchased.
• Basic understanding of and competency in foreign languages and travel.
• Ability to spend approximately 25 percent of time in international travel.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration or related field required.
• At least five years of purchasing experience, which includes trading and purchasing in foreign countries required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel internationally on a regular basis.