Import Manager

About Kinova

Kinova Co., Ltd. is a Thailand-based importer and distributor of premium international health, beauty, and family-care brands, with a sourcing office in France. We operate across beauty, wellness, family care, and pet care categories, distributing through major Thai retail channels (Tops, Central Group, …) and leading e-commerce platforms (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop).

As we scale our brand portfolio and import operations, we are looking for a hands-on Import Manager to take ownership of the full import cycle — from regulatory approvals through to warehouse delivery.

Role Overview

The Import Manager is responsible for ensuring all products are registered, compliant, and delivered into Thailand efficiently and cost-effectively. You will be the operational backbone of our supply chain, coordinating across international suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, regulatory bodies, and our warehouse team.

Key Responsibilities

Thai FDA Registration & Compliance

• Manage the end-to-end Thai FDA registration process for all imported products (cosmetics, health, family care, pet care).
• Prepare and compile product dossiers: formulations, safety data, labelling, certificates of analysis (CoA), GMP certificates.
• Liaise with FDA officers, track registration status, and manage renewals before expiry.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting product categories and advise on compliance requirements for new product launches.
• Coordinate with brand partners to obtain required technical documentation from origin countries.

International Shipping & Freight Management

• Coordinate international shipments (sea and air freight) from Europe and other origins to Thailand.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders and negotiate competitive rates and Incoterms.
• Plan and track shipment schedules to ensure timely stock replenishment aligned with sales forecasts.
• Oversee shipping documentation: bills of lading, packing lists, commercial invoices, certificates of origin.
• Handle any shipping exceptions, delays, or damage claims promptly.

Customs Clearance & Import Operations

• Oversee customs clearance process in coordination with licensed customs brokers.
• Ensure correct tariff classification (HS codes) and manage import duties and taxes.
• Resolve customs holds, inspections, or documentation discrepancies.
• Maintain all import permits and licences required for Kinova's product categories.
• Ensure compliance with Thai customs regulations and any Free Trade Agreement preferential duty schemes.

Landed Cost & Budget Management

• Track and optimize total landed cost per SKU (product cost, freight, duties, insurance, handling).
• Maintain detailed cost breakdowns to support pricing decisions and margin analysis.
• Identify opportunities to reduce logistics and duty costs without compromising service levels.
• Prepare periodic reports on import spend, freight trends, and cost-saving initiatives.

Warehouse & Inventory Coordination

• Coordinate with the warehouse team on inbound container scheduling, receiving, and stock reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate documentation handover for inventory system updates (quantities, lot numbers, expiry dates).
• Flag and resolve any discrepancies between shipped and received quantities.
• Support demand planning by providing shipment ETAs and lead-time visibility to commercial teams.

Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the primary operational contact with international brand partners on all logistics and compliance matters.
• Align purchase orders, production lead times, and shipment windows with suppliers.
• Collaborate with the commercial team to plan import timelines for new product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Work closely with finance on import-related invoicing, duty payments, and letter of credit processes when applicable.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of experience in import/export operations, international logistics, or supply chain management in Thailand.
• Proven experience managing Thai FDA product registration (cosmetics, health products, or FMCG).
• Strong knowledge of customs clearance procedures, HS code classification, and Thai import regulations.
• Hands-on experience coordinating international freight (sea and air) with freight forwarders.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Proficient in English and Thai (written and spoken) — daily communication with international partners.
• Comfortable with Excel/Google Sheets for cost tracking and reporting.

Preferred

• Experience in beauty, health, wellness, or FMCG product imports.
• Familiarity with e-commerce fulfillment requirements (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop).
• Knowledge of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) preferential duty schemes relevant to EU–Thailand trade.
• Experience with inventory or ERP systems.

What We Offer

• A key role in a fast-growing international distribution company with a diverse brand portfolio.
• Direct exposure to international business operations and brand partnerships across Europe and Asia.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on work environment — your work directly impacts company growth.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work arrangement - 2 days per week at the office, 3 days remote.
• Opportunity to shape and build the import function as the company scales.