Manager Customs

RALPH MARTINEZ

**** ***** ****, *****, *****, ***16 732-***-**** adk3vx@r.postjobfree.com

CAREER TARGETS: IMPORTS / LOGISTICS / OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Over 25 years of experience in import, logistics, and operations management, including current

Director of Imports position. In-depth knowledge and understanding of both domestic and global import processes, procedures, and compliance rules. Strong familiarity with customer routing guides, along with an extensive network of associates within the Import industry.

Selected achievements include:

Successful Collection on Claims of up to $300,000, along with Consistent Profitable Results

Launch and Growth of an Entire Import Operation, including All Operating Systems & Procedures Contributor to CTPAT Certifications, Full Compliance Adherence, and Internal Improvements

Overview:

Experienced, disciplined management professional who maintains a sense of urgency in all aspects of logistics and cargo management. Build effective relationships and communication channels with service providers such as U.S. Customs brokers and domestic/foreign Ocean carriers. Keen awareness of proper parties to contact who can best assist in resolving import/logistics issues. Demonstrate proper utilization of container standards at all times.

Selected Core Competencies:

P&L Accountability; Logistics Management; Strategic Planning & Execution; End-to-End Project & Program

Management; Forward/Reverse Logistics; U.S. Customs Broker Relationships; Focus Assessment Manual

Development; Contract & Price Negotiations; Budgeting & Expense Control; Inventory Management; Development of CTPAT Process; Staff Management & Training; Workflow Planning & Prioritization; Regulatory Compliance

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Q4 Designs-Present

Part of the Samsung conglomerate, overseeing all logistics transactions.

VP of Global Trade and Imports

Assisting in managing entire cargo movement of all companies within the Q4 designs company.

Managing all import and document flow for companies like PRG/Q4kids/Limited2.

Manage Letter of credits for 8 to 20 Partners LLC, as well as the cargo management of same.

STRETCH-O-RAMA – Avenel, NJ – 2004-Present

Specializing in child and baby apparel, boys/girls urban and casual wear, and genuine school uniforms.

Director of Imports

Manage all aspects of the Import department involving 600+ containers from various countries in Asia and subcontinent in west Asia. Supervise team of 4 and report directly to the President, Vice President, and CFO. Direct Letter of Credit department, authorizing and budgeting opening of all Letters of Credit based on current terms (up to $150 million at FOB). Plan and administer budget for Letters of Credit and Payments.

Initiate direct contract negotiations with carriers and logistics providers, as well as daily interactions to ensure proper domestic and global movement of cargo. Handle all matters with 3PL service providers. Control container cargo flow into 3 warehouses (including West Coast location). Oversee all Customs documentation, including entry into Import PC program. Interact daily with U.S. Customs Broker and Dray companies.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Established guidelines to create Import System for data entry that aligns with Accounts Payable and improves both efficiency and compliance capabilities with U.S. Customs entries.

Successfully collected claims of various values, including $300,000 that resulted from damage and shortages. Created chargeback procedure and process for all overseas suppliers.

Facilitated installation of HTS system within the Production department that enabled costing to take into account true cost by item.

Created effective system for all service providers to report bookings uniformly by origin (irrespective of service provider), resulting in reduced errors and increased productivity.

Contributed to the company’s achievements of its CTPAT certification. (continued)

RALPH MARTINEZ, 2-732-***-**** adk3vx@r.postjobfree.com

P&O NEDLLOYD LOGISTICS – East Rutherford, NJ – 2003-2004 Global logistics provider for P&O Nedlloyd Steamship Company.

National Sales Manager

Requested to join and lead growth for start-up logistics operation due to knowledge of imports worldwide. Delivered presentations nationwide to various potential customers. Developed SOP per customer based on region for start-up involving companies valued at over $100 million FOB. Core pricing at $2.50 per CBM.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Generated ~3,000 consolidation containers (40 ft. each) in the course of a year for this start-up company, opening up lanes around the world for cargo management based on customer needs (including Pakistan and South Africa markets which were previous non-considerations).

Created sales presentation platform that enabled company to compete with other well-established services and logistics providers.

Promoted version of Lognet (Lognet Lite) as part of the visibility package that represented a platform illustrating status of cargo movement.

Gained commitments from other garment and non-garment importers for company services that pended on future discussions and decisions.

ONE STEP UP – New York, NY – 1994-2003

Specializing in baby, children, boys/girls, and ladies apparel for all major mass merchants.

Import Manager

Held full responsibility for creating the entire Import department (including all systems and procedures) and managing all origins shipping to the U.S. Oversaw all customs entry activities as well as all dray and container management functions. Negotiated all ocean and 3LP contracts with carriers. Completed extensive travel to Asia and Central America to establish importing process; implemented claim process for all suppliers. Oversaw all warehouse operations of the 3PL.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Created in-house import documentation system for data entry and recording of all imports in a joint effort with the MIS department for this $150 million company.

Played instrumental role in negotiating and establishing Public Warehouse as Distribution Centers on both the East and West Coasts. Handled all U.S. Customs entries on both coasts.

Addressed and resolved all U.S. Customs issues in conjunction with U.S. Customs brokers.

** Prior position as Import Manager with Golden Touch Imports. Interacted directly with owners on overseas bookings and directions. Managed data entry operations, inventory from the East and West Coasts, all warehouse operations, and U.S. Customs entry in conjunction with U.S. Customs brokers. Assisted in setting up garment data system GarPac geared specifically to the import community at the time.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

College Coursework – Herman H. Lehman College / Yongsan College

Professional Training & Certifications – CTPAT Certifications; World Trade Center Import School

Military Background – United States Army / Vietnam Veteran

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