İlke Citil
International Trade Operations
İstanbul, open to relocation
Summary
Results-driven Senior Foreign Trade Specialist with 5+ years of experience in export, import, logistics, and trade compliance across the FMCG, beauty, and automotive industries. Proven ability to optimize international trade operations, secure government export incentives, and reduce transportation costs while ensuring 100% compliance with customs regulations. Proficient in Microsoft Dynamics AX (ERP), financial monitoring, and supplier & logistics contract management.
Passionate about continuous learning and professional growth, with a strong ambition to expand my career in international markets. Highly adaptable to global trade dynamics, actively participating in international fairs (Dubai, Bologna, Istanbul) and staying up to date with industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Eager to take on challenging roles in a multinational environment where I can further develop my expertise and contribute to efficient, scalable, and cost-effective trade operations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Foreign Trade Specialist | Import & Export
Engin Grup AS (FMCG Industry)
Istanbul
08.2023 - Current
- Managed international trade operations, overseeing both exports and supplier purchases, ensuring seamless supply chain execution.
- Utilized Microsoft Dynamics AX (ERP) to track shipments, manage procurement, monitor inventory levels, and streamline financial transactions.
- Secured government export incentives, successfully obtaining 20% in financial support, improving company profitability.
- Handled bureaucratic procedures related to export compliance, fulfilling the company’s obligations to the state and ensuring all necessary permits, certificates, and documentation were processed correctly.
- Monitored trade-related finances, ensuring timely payments, accurate invoicing, and smooth financial reporting for export transactions.
Import Specialist
Dogus Kozmetik AS (Beauty&Personal Care Industry)
Ankara
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Managed the import of an average of $850,000 worth of beauty products monthly, equivalent to 30-35 containers (each containing 12-14 metric tons), ensuring efficient supply chain operations.
- Optimized import costs by sourcing alternative suppliers while maintaining product quality, leading to 8% cost reduction.
- Oversaw sea and air freight transportation, ensuring timely deliveries and minimizing customs clearance delays.
- Ensured full compliance with Turkish customs regulations, managing required product tests, certifications, and permits.
- Worked closely with the sales and marketing teams, also contributing to product selection, color choices, naming, and branding strategies.
- Attended international beauty fairs (Beautyworld Middle East in Dubai, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna in Bologna, BEAUTYISTANBUL in Istanbul) to identify market trends and build supplier relationships.
Export specialist
Seha Muhendislik AS (Automotive Industry)
Ankara
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Handled export operations for a company with €2 million in monthly export revenue, ensuring efficient execution of road and sea freight shipments.
- Applied EXW, FCA, CFR, FOB, CIF, and DAP Incoterms to coordinate cost-effective international trade transactions.
- Negotiated with logistics providers, reducing transportation expenses by 10% while maintaining service quality.
- Managed end-to-end export documentation (Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificates of Origin) to ensure compliance and smooth customs clearance.
- Collaborated with international clients and freight forwarders to optimize shipping routes and minimize delays.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Automotive Engineering
Gazi University
Ankara 09.2013 - 02.2019
Skills
Logistics management
Languages
Turkish
Native
English
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Intermediate (B1)
Interests
Passionate about cultural diversity, actively engaging in solo travel
Continuously improving multilingual communication skills, currently advancing in Spanish (A2-B1)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Foreign Trade Specialist | Import & Export
Engin Grup AS (FMCG Industry)
08.2023 - Current
Import Specialist
Dogus Kozmetik AS (Beauty&Personal Care Industry)
06.2022 - 07.2023
Export specialist
Seha Muhendislik AS (Automotive Industry)
09.2019 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Automotive Engineering
Gazi University
09.2013 - 02.2019