Senior Import Claims Manager

Our Client, one of the world’s largest food importers is seeking strategic, hands-on Senior Import Claims Manager to lead a team responsible for overseeing transportation, warehouse, and supplier claims across our portfolio. This person will play a critical role in protecting company assets, reducing financial risk, driving root cause analysis, and developing long-term solutions with external partners and internal stakeholders. The role requires a blend of analytical rigor, cross-functional collaboration, vendor management, and team development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Development.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of claims analysts and coordinators.
• Establish team KPIs and performance standards aligned with corporate goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.
• Claims Oversight and Risk Mitigation.
• Lead the end-to-end process for transportation, warehouse, and supplier claims.
• Oversee accurate and timely entry, tracking, and resolution of claims across systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Logistics, AR, QA, Procurement, etc.) to resolve issues.
• Vendor and Partner Collaboration.
• Serve as primary escalation point for external vendors including steamship lines, carriers, warehouses, and suppliers.
• Negotiate resolutions, ensure compliance with service level agreements, and guide corrective action initiatives.
• Loss Prevention and Root Cause Analysis.
• Analyze claims trends and loss patterns to drive strategic prevention initiatives.
• Deliver regular reports to senior leadership with insights, root causes, and recommendations.
• Partner with operations and inventory management teams to reduce outdated, surplus, or damaged inventory.
• Compliance and Documentation.
• Ensure all claims meet legal, financial, and insurance documentation standards.
• Oversee Certificate of Liability Insurance requests and related recordkeeping.
• Support Accounts Receivable with customer deductions tied to damages, shortages, and returns.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• 7-10 years of experience in inventory claims, cargo loss, or risk management, with at least 2 years in leadership capacity.
• Strong working knowledge of freight claims processes, transportation/logistics networks, and warehousing operations.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills across internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills; ERP or claims management system experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and drive cross-functional alignment.

All Benefits