Transport & Import Export Manager

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

• Work Location    : Kerry Johor Bahru
• Reporting Line    : Customer Experience Services Lead

 

This role leads and optimises transport and import/export functions within the Supply Chain, ensuring efficient and compliant domestic and international logistics operations. With a strategic mindset, it drives cost-effective, on-time, and in-full performance while managing a high-performing team and fostering collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners. The Manager leverages expertise in transport management, customs compliance, and data analysis to influence decision-making, resolve disruptions, and proactively manage risks. Through strong leadership, collaboration, and continuous improvement initiatives, the role ensures alignment with organisational goals and contributes to the success of the broader supply chain strategy.

 

 

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of Supervisors and Planners, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Set strategic direction in transport and trade compliance, guiding cross-functional alignment and informed decision-making.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, focused on efficiency, productivity, and service excellence.

 

2. Transport Strategy, Planning & Execution

• Provide strategic oversight of transport planning to ensure OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) targets are consistently achieved or exceeded.
• Translate business and supply chain plans into effective, customer-focused transport strategies that balance cost and efficiency.
• Ensure strong integration between transport, manufacturing, warehousing, and customer service to deliver seamless operations.
• Harness data and digital tools to optimise route planning, transit times, and shipment consolidation.
• Maintain accurate transport master data (e.g., lead times, pallet configurations) to support high-quality decisions and operational reliability.
• Oversee the execution of transport plans in real-time, managing disruptions through structured escalation and risk mitigation.
• Lead performance reviews with logistics partners and internal teams, using KPIs and analytics to drive continuous improvement.
• Influence senior stakeholders to support long-term transport strategies and logistics capability development.

 

3. Trade Compliance & Operational Efficiency

• Lead all aspects of import/export and customs compliance, ensuring alignment with UK and international trade regulations.
• Ensure correct classification (HS codes), valuation, and declaration of goods under applicable customs procedures.
• Manage the application and maintenance of trade licences, permits, certificates of origin, and related regulatory documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes, assess impacts, and adapt internal processes to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external authorities to resolve compliance risks and minimise trade flow disruptions.
• Identify opportunities for duty optimisation and cost savings across international trade activities.
• Promote the digitalisation and automation of trade processes to enhance visibility, reduce manual effort, and streamline operations.
• Embed a strong compliance culture through training, awareness, and clear governance.

 

4. Logistics Partner & Cost Management

• Select, evaluate, and manage logistics providers in line with strategic priorities and performance expectations.
• Partner with Procurement to secure competitive freight rates and service levels.
• Ensure accuracy in freight invoicing, monitor contractual compliance, and control additional delivery costs effectively.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Performance Insight
• Lead proactive communication with internal teams, 3PLs, and customers, ensuring visibility via tools such as the Supply Chain Cockpit.
• Manage and resolve service issues swiftly, ensuring structured escalation and root cause resolution.
• Deliver clear, actionable insights through data and analytics to support strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

 

 

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8–10 years in transport and international trade operations, including leadership of cross-functional teams and 3PL management.
• Experience in the Food Ingredients & Flavours or Beverage industry is preferred but not required.
• Strong expertise in customs compliance, trade regulations, and logistics systems, including Transport Management Systems (TMS) and ERP proficiency (e.g., SAP, TMS).
• Skilled in freight costing and budgeting, ensuring cost-effective and efficient transport solutions.