Usman Rafiq
Jhelum, Punjab
Summary
Adept at navigating complex international logistics and customs compliance, I spearheaded duty drawback claims at Sovereign Express Trade, securing significant cost savings. My strategic planning and strong interpersonal skills fostered key relationships and streamlined customs processes, enhancing operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction without compromising on regulatory adherence. Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Manager
SOVEREIGN EXPRESS TRADE
05.2024 - Current
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Implemented sustainability initiatives, reducing environmental impact.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Customs-specialist
SOVEREIGN EXPRESS TRADE
09.2021 - 04.2024
- Identified opportunities for duty drawback claims, leading to significant cost savings for the organization.
- Played a critical role in risk management by maintaining awareness of potential changes to customs regulations and proactively adapting company strategies accordingly.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of customs regulations, facilitating efficient processing of shipments.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives in customs processes, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings for the organization.
- Supported company growth by successfully navigating complex customs requirements during international mergers or acquisitions.
- Ensured accurate tariff classifications for various imported goods, resulting in reduced delays and penalties.
- Conducted thorough audits of import/export documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Developed and maintained standard operating procedures for customs activities, ensuring all staff members were fully trained on relevant processes and requirements.
- Assisted in the development of company-wide training programs on customs procedures, contributing to improved staff performance and understanding of compliance obligations.
- Handled sensitive communications with regulatory agencies regarding investigations or inquiries into the organization''s compliance practices, maintaining a positive relationship throughout any disputes or negotiations that arose.
- Developed relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, ensuring smooth operations and timely resolution of issues.
- Coordinated with freight forwarders and carriers to ensure timely delivery of shipments while adhering to all relevant regulations and procedures.
- Identified and gathered commercial and international data, documents and rulings upon clients' requests.
- Provided expert advice on UK laws, describing government requirements for transporting imported goods.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders and customers.
- Advised customers on transportation options, types of carriers or shipping routes.
- Coordinated with shipping and transport companies on behalf of clients.
- Applied standard tables and knowledge of law to calculate duty and tariff payments of each shipment.
- Reviewed and signed documents on behalf of clients in line with power of attorney limitations.
Import and Export Coordinator
CARGO WORLDWIDE
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Coordinated import and export of goods for multiple clients, providing accuracy and timely delivery.
- Processed customs declarations and maintained records of customs documents.
- Monitored and maintained import and export tracking systems for delivery of accurate and up-to-date records of shipments.
- Established and built positive relationships with vendors and carriers, promoting competitive shipping rates and service.
- Prepared and submitted reports on import and export activity to management.
- Reduced shipment delays with proactive communication between international suppliers and transportation partners.
- Strengthened supply chain efficiency by collaborating with internal departments such as procurement, logistics, and sales to align objectives and streamline workflows.
- Improved invoice accuracy through diligent review of shipping documents and timely communication with finance department.
Education
MBA - Accounting And Finance
University of Gujrat
Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan02.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Commerce
Govt College of Commerce
Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan09.2016
Skills
- Valuation Techniques
- Shipping coordination
- International Logistics
- Transportation Planning
- Customs Compliance
- Freight Forwarding
- Import-Export Regulations
- Incoterms Knowledge
- Customs documentation
- Trade Agreements
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Critical Thinking
- Reliability
- Interpersonal Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Import declaration management
Certification
- SRF BTEC LEVEL 2 IN CUSTOMS EXPORT AND IMPORT PROCEDURES APPROVED BY BRITISH INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT ASSOCIATION
Languages
Urdu
Native language
English
Upper intermediate
B2
Timeline
Operations Manager
SOVEREIGN EXPRESS TRADE
05.2024 - Current
Customs-specialist
SOVEREIGN EXPRESS TRADE
09.2021 - 04.2024
Import and Export Coordinator
CARGO WORLDWIDE
07.2020 - 08.2021
MBA - Accounting And Finance
University of Gujrat
Bachelor of Arts - Commerce
Govt College of Commerce
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