Import & Export Manager / Specialist (Trade Compliance) - Medical Devices

Our client is a global leader in the medical device industry, headquartered in the United States, and is currently establishing a new manufacturing facility in Thailand. The company is seeking a well-rounded and experienced Import & Export Manager / Specialist to join its pioneering team and play a key role in establishing and managing import and export operations for the new Thailand facility. Job Description: Oversee all import, export, customs clearance, and international trade compliance activities for a fast-growing medical device manufacturing facility in Thailand. Ensure the compliant, timely, and cost-effective movement of raw materials, capital equipment, components, spare parts, and finished goods while maintaining strict compliance with Thai Customs, BOI requirements, ISO 13485 Quality Management Systems, and relevant U.S. regulatory standards, including U.S. FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements. Act as the central coordination point between freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, government authorities, and internal manufacturing teams to maintain an efficient and uninterrupted global supply chain. Manage end-to-end import and export operations for raw materials, machinery, components, spare parts, and finished products. Manage freight forwarders and container schedules proactively to minimise demurrage, detention, and other avoidable logistics costs. Coordinate customs clearance activities with customs brokers to ensure accurate documentation and timely cargo release. Monitor shipment status closely and proactively resolve logistics delays, customs clearance issues, and other supply chain bottlenecks. Ensure full compliance with Thai Customs regulations, Ministry of Commerce requirements, BOI privileges, and applicable international trade regulations. Apply and maintain up-to-date knowledge of Incoterms 2020 across shipping, logistics, and commercial activities. Manage accurate Harmonized System (HS) code classification, customs valuation, country-of-origin requirements, and duty and tax calculations. Maintain comprehensive documentation, records, and audit trails for all imported and exported goods, machinery, and assets. Prepare and submit required customs declarations, permits, licences, regulatory documentation, and official reports. Lead and coordinate Thai Customs audits and serve as the primary point of contact for customs and regulatory inspections. Manage BOI-related import and export privileges, including duty exemptions, tracking, reporting, documentation, and audit compliance. Act as the local operational liaison with Thai Customs authorities and relevant government agencies, working closely with corporate and regional leadership. Partner with Production Planning, Manufacturing, Quality, and Procurement teams to align material and equipment arrivals with production schedules and operational requirements. Collaborate with Finance on customs duties and tax payments, landed-cost calculations, and inventory reconciliations. Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure logistics and trade processes comply with ISO 13485 QMS and applicable medical device regulatory requirements. Develop, implement, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and internal trade compliance controls for the Thailand operation. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce lead times, optimise freight costs, improve operational efficiency, and minimise compliance risks. Support ERP and logistics system setup, master data maintenance, and data accuracy to ensure effective import/export and supply chain operations. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field. Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience managing import, export, and customs operations in Thailand, preferably within a manufacturing environment. Strong technical knowledge of Thai Customs regulations, HS code classification, customs valuation, country-of-origin requirements, and Incoterms 2020. Proven experience managing BOI-approved manufacturing operations, including import/export privileges, duty exemptions, reporting requirements, and BOI audits. Experience within a regulated manufacturing environment, such as Medical Devices, Electronics, Automotive, or a related industry, is strongly preferred. Experience working within a U.S.-based or multinational matrix organisation, with the ability to collaborate effectively with regional and global stakeholders. Professional fluency in both Thai and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership, initiative, and accountability. Strong logical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate issues and take appropriate action independently.