Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Hobbies: Embroidery, Reading, Art
Additional Information
References
Timeline
Generic

Debra Benn

Menai,NSW

Summary

Superior Import Manager directs and manages import activities to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Supervises logistics and establishes and maintains working relationships with freight forwarders and carriers to facilitate and streamline processes. Demonstrated knowledge of freight contracts with strong cross-functional leadership skills. Organised and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and a high degree of accuracy. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organisational skills.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Import Seafreight Manager

International Delivery Service
05.2013 - 12.2020
  • Responded to customs, customer and internal requests and notices about classification, duty rates and documentation requirements to support import regulations.
  • Created and transmitted accurate documentation to governmental agencies for import activities.
  • Liaised with sales department to develop customer-specific import handling procedures to enhance delivery methods and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Served as expert point-of-contact for internal and external questions and issues dealing with import and export operations to drive consistent communication.
  • Established, supervised and continuously improved import process flows in conformance with rules, procedures and company policy.
  • Coordinated and negotiated contracts to facilitate freight movements.
  • Coordinated company product shipments and international transactions to eliminate freight delays.
  • Trained new staff on job duties, company policies, and safety procedures for rapid onboarding.
  • Coordinated driver dispatch to accomplish daily delivery requirements.
  • Developed and maintained knowledgeable and productive team of employees.
  • Collaborated with manufacturing and supply chain management.
  • Divided and categorised cargo received and redirected shipments in response to customer requests.
  • Conducted research to address shipping errors and packaging mistakes.
  • Reviewed established business practices and improved processes to reduce expenses.
  • Led improvement initiatives to advance operational efficiencies and increase revenue.
  • Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
  • Created and enforced detailed organisation processes to increase quality and service standards.
  • Reviewed and negotiated contracts with carriers to optimise shipping costs.
  • Negotiated contracts with outside providers and rates for facility leases to minimise costs to company.
  • Secured discounts from third-party logistics service providers to deliver substantial cost savings.
  • Promoted brand at industry events and through ongoing networking efforts.
  • Prospected for leads to build pipeline and convert to sales opportunities.

Director

Neat, Spray, Glove Cleaning
01.2015 - 12.2016
  • Cleaned building floors by sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing floors.
  • Disinfected restrooms, kitchens and other common areas to remove bacteria and maintained hygiene standards.
  • Improved building cleanliness with continuous sanitizing of high-touch areas.
  • Maintained clean, neat, and professional entrances.
  • Disposed of trash and recyclables each day to avoid waste buildup.
  • Kept building entryway glass clean and polished for professional presentation.
  • Organised and used industrial cleaning products following strict safety procedures.
  • Adhered to company policies for appearance, thoroughness, and facility security.
  • Developed and maintained cleaning schedules to clean designated areas and manage shifts.
  • Trained staff on expected standards and quality of general cleaning, health and safety requirements and equipment operation.
  • Conducted recruitment, interview and selection processes to induct new staff in accordance with business policies.
  • Trained and mentored all new personnel to maximise quality of service and performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and developed improvement plans.
  • Managed invoicing and payment processing operations.

Import Sea Freight Co-Ordinator

Activair/OHL
04.2006 - 05.2013
  • Responded to customs, customer and internal requests and notices about classification, duty rates and documentation requirements to support import regulations.
  • Accurately input shipment details into company's system using Enterprise.
  • Created and transmitted accurate documentation to governmental agencies for import activities.
  • Coordinated shipments of product from country of origin to final destination by both sea and air transport.
  • Liaised with sales department to develop customer-specific import handling procedures to enhance delivery methods and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated and negotiated contracts to facilitate freight movements.
  • Confirmed accurate freight duties and bills of lading for shipments by collaborating with customs brokers.
  • Coordinated company product shipments and international transactions to eliminate freight delays.
  • Served as expert point-of-contact for internal and external questions and issues dealing with import and export operations to drive consistent communication.
  • Created and wrote up new process instructions, resulting in increased efficiency.
  • Assisted compliance department in performing internal audits of processes and systems to facilitate importation and exportation of products.
  • Developed tracking reports, which alleviated customer calls and boosted time savings.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders and customers.
  • Advised customers on transportation options, types of carriers or shipping routes.
  • Maintained open communication with customers and overseas partners to update all parties on order and shipping changes.
  • Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
  • Insured cargo against loss, damage or pilferage.
  • Reviewed and signed documents on behalf of clients in line with power of attorney limitations.
  • Checked packages and merchandise for damage and notified vendors.
  • Labeled and accurately moved customer orders to meet shipment timetables and minimize errors.
  • Inspected work areas for cleanliness and obstacles and removed cartons and boxes to keep work areas organised and hazard-free.
  • Used hand-held devices and computers to record and monitor inventory levels and completed audits to uncover and address inaccuracies.
  • Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
  • Conducted regular inspections and audits to check quality and verify inventory levels.
  • Loaded and unloaded materials onto and off of trucks for fast shipment.
  • Assisted in receiving, stocking and distribution of merchandise.
  • Unpacked and repacked items in different quantities and configurations for shipment.
  • Verified documentation and condition of freight to assure quality standards were achieved.

Education

Certificate I - Criminal Psychology/ Forensic Science

Career House
Online Course
07.2023

High School Diploma -

Beverly Hills Girls High School
Beverly Hills, NSW
10.1999

Skills

  • Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
  • Active Listening
  • Business Growth
  • Client Needs Assessment
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Customer Deliveries
  • Customer Interaction
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Data Integrity
  • Development Management
  • Digital Filing
  • Document Organisation
  • Electronic Filing System
  • Employee Evaluation
  • Financial Records
  • Following SOPs
  • Freight Forwarding
  • Hazardous Material Tracking
  • Inbound Cargo Logistics
  • Industry Trends
  • Internal Audits
  • International Shipping
  • Inventory Accuracy
  • Legal Requirements
  • Office Cleaning

Hobbies: Embroidery, Reading, Art

When I have a moment to relax after taking care of my 3-year-old son, I enjoy time in solitary working on creative projects. 


Additional Information

Homemaker and Stay-At-Home-Mum - 2019- Present

  • Sole parental responsibility of one child 6 days per week
  • Managing household budget and maintenance, coordinating extracurricular activities, school meetings and social events

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Director

Neat, Spray, Glove Cleaning
01.2015 - 12.2016

Import Seafreight Manager

International Delivery Service
05.2013 - 12.2020

Import Sea Freight Co-Ordinator

Activair/OHL
04.2006 - 05.2013

Certificate I - Criminal Psychology/ Forensic Science

Career House

High School Diploma -

Beverly Hills Girls High School
Debra Benn