Job title: import and foreign trade specialist
location: querétaro, mexico
position status: full-time
reports to: logistics coordinator
grain craft is a company that is committed to our team members. We offer generous benefits with a focus on three guiding pillars: driven with purpose (we make every day count), relationships are everything (meaningful connections fuel our success), and right always wins (we never compromise on safety, quality, and commitment). these pillars are the bedrock of grain craft's high-performance culture. We champion an intensely collaborative and creative environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and continuous learning and development opportunities for professional growth. Our pillars are real and lived out every day in action, and our mission has never changed.
job summary:
the import & foreign trade specialist will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of the company's import/ export operations, ensuring compliance with mexican customs laws and international trade regulations. This role involves managing the end-to-end import/ export process, from coordinating with grain craft in the us and brokers in mexico, to ensuring timely customs clearance and delivery of goods, while optimizing costs and efficiency.
essential duties and responsibilities:
* manage the full lifecycle of import shipments, from purchase order placement with grain craft in the us to final delivery at molinas facilities in mexico.
* generate internal tickets for purchases based on the zt68 report, including inbound freight and pedimento accruals.
* stay informed and ensure strict compliance with mexican customs laws (ley aduanera), foreign trade regulations (reglas generales de comercio exterior), and all applicable international trade agreements.
* download and process the purchasing report from zt68, aligning information with imported shipments (master database).
* prepare, review, and organize all required import documentation, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and other necessary permits or licenses (e.g., sagarpa, sader).
* coordinate and communicate effectively with customs brokers (agentes aduanales), freight forwarders and carriers to facilitate smooth and efficient customs clearance and transportation.
* transmit necessary documents and itns (identification transaction numbers, if applicable) to the coatzacoalcos customs broker for proforma processing.
* verify proper tariff classification (harmonized system/hs code) of imported goods to ensure accurate duty and tax calculations (iva, dta, etc.).
* review shipping documents, coves (comprobante de valor electrónico), and pedimentos provided by the broker to ensure accuracy and completeness.
* monitor and track shipments, providing status updates to internal stakeholders and proactively addressing any delays or issues.
* draft and issue 3.1.8 letters (invoice clarification letters) to the coatzacoalcos customs broker as needed.
* resolve discrepancies, customs holds, or issues with documentation in coordination with customs brokers and relevant authorities.
* coordinate with the treasury team to facilitate tax payments related to pedimentos.
* maintain accurate and organized records of all import transactions, documentation, and costs for audit purposes.
* manage the approval process for customs broker invoices.
* process and reconcile import-related invoices from service providers (customs brokers, freight forwarders).
* request and obtain evidence of paid pedimentos from the customs broker.
* download payment data for pedimentos from the hsbc software.
* collaborate with purchasing, finance, and operations departments to align on import strategies and requirements.
* initiate pedimento rectifications (amendments) when necessary (e.g., cancellation of a previously generated invoice).
* identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction in import and logistics operations.
* print, sign, and submit the manifestaci6n de valor (customs value declaration).
* upload approved pedimento information received from the broker into the zt30 system.
* prepare and distribute key performance indicators (kpls) for the import & foreign trade department.
* liaise with the customs broker to ensure the timely upload of expense accounts for all "molinas" shipments.
* retrieve shipping documents from zt159 to integrate pedimento details, facilitating validation of purchases against sales (inventory reconciliation).
* validate the documentation uploaded by the customs broker to the pedimento empresarial platform
* all other duties and related job functions assigned.
* must be able to work remotely for a period of 6-12 months with plans to work in the physical office after, according to set work schedule.
education:
* bachelor's degree in international business, logistics, supply chain management, foreign trade, or a related field.
experience:
* minimum of 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in import/foreign trade operations within a food/grain company in mexico.
* proven experience working with mexican customs brokers and freight forwarders.
* experience with erp systems (e.g., sap, oracle, netsuite) and customs software is desirable.
skills & competencies:
* fluent in spanish and english (written and spoken) is mandatory for effective communication with local and international partners.
* in-depth knowledge of mexican customs law, foreign trade regulations, and international trade practices (incoterms).
* strong understanding of import documentation requirements and tariff classification.
* excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
* strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex customs issues.
* ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
* excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with internal teams, suppliers, and external service providers.
* proficiency in microsoft office suite, especially excel.
* proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
job type: full-time
pay: from $33,500.00 per month
experience:
* import/foreign trade within a food company: 3 years (preferred)
language:
* english (preferred)
work location: hybrid remote in querétaro, qro.