Location: Cotonou, Benin Republic
About the Role:
We are currently seeking a highly skilled Import-Export & Procurement Specialist to oversee customs operations, logistics, and strategic procurement in Benin Republic. This role is essential for ensuring compliance, optimizing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency.
1. Import-Export Operations & Customs Compliance
- Manage import and export flows across multiple countries (Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Ghana, etc.).
- Ensure full compliance with customs regulations and tariff classifications to mitigate risks.
- Handle customs and shipping documentation (certificates of origin, invoices, landing factors, transit and clearance documents).
- Collaborate with freight forwarders and customs authorities to streamline operations and negotiate duty exemptions when applicable.
- Monitor and optimize costs related to customs duties, incoterms, and insurance logistics.
2. Procurement & Vendor Management
- Manage the procurement of goods and services across all business operations (office equipment, operational supplies, external services, cleaning, shop insurance, IT equipment, branding, etc.).
- Manage the end-to-end procurement cycle, from supplier selection and contract negotiation to performance tracking.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize expenditure.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
- Ensure all purchases comply with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
3. Performance Tracking & Process Optimization
- Develop dashboards and provide accurate reporting on procurement, logistics costs, and stock management.
- Implement process automation tools to improve purchasing and import-export operations.
- Work closely with finance, logistics, and marketing teams to enhance data integration and traceability.
- Manage new product introductions, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and potential exemptions.
- Oversee all import and export activities in alignment with customs requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Procurement, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, import-export, or international logistics.
- Good knowledge of West African customs and tax procedures.
- Proven track record in strategic procurement and supplier negotiations.
- Proficiency in SAP (procurement, inventory, and logistics management).
- Good Excel skills (pivot tables, advanced data knowledge).
- In-depth knowledge of Incoterms, tariff classifications, and customs regulations.
- Experience in cost optimization and contract management.
- Fluency in French & English (written and spoken) is essential for managing supplier and partner relationships.
- Strategic mindset to identify process optimization opportunities.
- Attention to detail & compliance focus to prevent disputes and ensure regulatory adherence.
- Proactive & innovative approach to explore cost-saving strategies and duty exemptions.
- Professional growth in a dynamic, rapidly expanding, high-social-impact industry
- An open-minded, collaborative culture made up of enthusiastic colleagues who are driven by the challenge of innovation towards profound impact on people and the planet.
- A truly multicultural experience: you will have the chance to work with and learn from people from different geographies, nationalities, and backgrounds.
- Structured, tailored learning and development programs that help you become a better leader, manager, and professional through the Sun Center for Leadership.
