Operations Associate

The Operations Associate is responsible for the end-to-end execution of import, export, and domestic supply chain activities for CZ's Food Ingredients, Packaging, and Agri-Products business in the Philippines. The role oversees post-trade contract execution from shipment planning and customs clearance through warehousing, delivery, invoicing, and payment collection.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of Philippine import processes, demonstrates strong ownership of operational activities, and has the drive and capability to continuously improve processes and support the growth of the business

Key Responsibilities

Trade Execution & Logistics Management

• Manage the end-to-end execution of physical trade contracts concluded by local and regional trading teams involving containerized, breakbulk, and domestic shipments.
• Coordinate shipment planning, customs clearance, warehousing, transportation, delivery, and payment collection activities.
• Create and maintain shipment, delivery, and payment records within the company's in-house systems.
• Monitor shipment progress and proactively manage exceptions to ensure timely cargo movement and delivery.
• Review and prepare shipping documents and ensure all documentation is complete and available for customs clearance.
• Coordinate with customs brokers to facilitate customs lodgment, import permit compliance, and clearance activities.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to arrange and process customs duties, taxes, and other regulatory payments.
• Appoint and coordinate surveyors at loading and discharge ports where required.
• Ensure all destination charges and port-related fees are settled promptly to avoid shipment delays.
• Liaise with shipping lines, trucking companies, warehouses, and logistics providers to ensure smooth cargo handling and delivery execution.
• Arrange local and international courier services for original shipping documents when required.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Coordinate delivery schedules with customers, warehouses, and transport providers.
• Prepare and manage delivery receipts, warehouse receipts, release orders, and other operational documentation.
• Create sales invoices and coordinate with Finance teams to ensure accurate documentation and timely payment collection.
• Monitor customer receivables and follow up on overdue payments.
• Support the resolution of customer claims, operational disputes, and shipment-related issues in collaboration with traders and stakeholders.
• Maintain strong working relationships with customers and logistics partners to ensure service reliability and operational efficiency.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all transactions comply with Philippine customs regulations, relevant government requirements, SRA regulations, import permits, and internal compliance procedures.
• Maintain complete and accurate transaction records within company systems and document repositories.
• Identify operational risks and implement preventive controls to minimize disruptions and compliance issues.
• Lead incident investigations, support root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions when required.
• Ensure adherence to established operating procedures, safety standards, and company policies.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Review end-to-end operational workflows and identify process inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Take ownership of operational challenges and drive solutions independently from identification through implementation.
• Develop, enhance, and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operational consistency and scalability.
• Partner with local and regional stakeholders to implement process improvements that enhance service, efficiency, and compliance.
• Support business growth initiatives by developing operational capabilities required for new products, markets, and trade structures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide guidance, training, and coaching to team members on operational procedures, documentation standards, and best practices.
• Assign and monitor operational tasks where required to ensure service levels and operational accuracy are maintained.
• Demonstrate leadership potential by influencing positive changes, supporting team development, and driving a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Participate in weekly execution and operational review calls with Singapore and regional teams.

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated and hands-on operations professional who thrives in a fast-paced trading environment and takes ownership of delivering results.

Essential Requirements

• 5 to 8 years of experience in international trade operations, import/export execution, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, shipping, logistics, or supply chain management.
• Deep hands-on experience managing customs clearance and importation activities into the Philippines.
• Strong understanding of Philippine customs regulations, import permits, compliance requirements, and clearance procedures.
• Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, domestic logistics providers, or 3PL organizations.
• Diploma, Degree, or Professional Qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex operational activities with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate processes, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Demonstrated capability to simplify complex workflows and establish efficient, scalable processes.
• Strong "go-getter" attitude with a proactive, results-oriented mindset.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High integrity and professionalism when handling confidential and commercially sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Filipino.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with domestic transportation, trucking, warehousing, and inventory operations within the Philippines.
• Experience in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, or domestic 3PL operations.
• Knowledge of RSA, SAOL, Sugar No. 11 regulations, and related commodity trading requirements.
• Experience working with Incoterms, including FOB, CFR, and CIF trade structures.
• Experience managing operational execution under FOB and CFR contracts, or the ability to rapidly learn and support such trade structures.
• Experience in Letters of Credit, UCP, and ISBP rules.
• Experience leading projects, mentoring colleagues, or demonstrating leadership potential within an operations environment.
• Proven track record of driving operational improvements, process optimization, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to work effectively across Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain functions.

What Success Looks Like

• Goods are cleared, delivered, and invoiced accurately and on time.
• Operational risks and issues are proactively identified and resolved.
• Processes are continuously improved to support business growth and efficiency.
• Strong working relationships are maintained with customers, brokers, logistics providers, and internal stakeholders.
• The individual demonstrates leadership potential and contributes to building a high-performing operations function in the Philippines.

Changes in business requirements may occasionally necessitate modifications to this job description, which will be discussed and agreed upon with the successful candidate where appropriate.