Improv Theater
Seda Çalışkanoğlu Atamer
Import Operations Manager
Izmir
Websites
Summary
Motivated and results-driven Customs Operations Manager with 16 years of experience in overseeing import processes, compliance, and team management. Adept at optimizing customs operations, ensuring regulatory adherence, and improving efficiency. Proven track record of successful cross-functional collaboration and cost reduction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Import Clearance Unit Manager
LC Waikiki Mağazacılık Hizmetleri Ticaret A.Ş.
Istanbul, 34
2 2022 - 04.2024
- As leader of import customs operations, align operations with business plans, budgets, and performance targets.
- Oversee team of 10 customs specialists, ensuring seamless execution of import operations.
- Monitor and maintain workflow within team, managing workload distribution and implementing structural changes as needed.
- Focusing in ensuring full compliance with customs laws and regulations, collaborating closely with customs brokers and consultants to reduce errors by 20%.
- Coordinate customs clearance operations with team, consultants, and customs brokers, overseeing tariff classification, valuation, and duty drawback programs.
- Identifying improvement potentials within team, serve as bridge between relevant top management and import customs team.
- Drive enhancement of logistics and import systems by integrating new digital solutions in collaboration with strategy and development department.
- Responsible for recruiting, training, and motivating suitable individuals for team and department.
- Conducting weekly performance evaluations for all direct reporting employees, make recommendations regarding hiring, promotion, and termination decisions.
- Ensuring that business processes are implemented according to company guidelines.
Import Specialist
LC Waikiki Mağazacılık Hizmetleri Ticaret A.Ş.
Istanbul, 34
1 2017 - 2 2022
- Managed all import and export trade operations, ensuring smooth and efficient processes.
- Stayed updated on developments and regulatory changes affecting banking operation compliance and other agencies impacting imports.
- Developed and implemented data-driven balanced global import performance scorecard, incorporating key performance indicators.
- Achieved 50% reduction in LC opening process time through process enhancements and improved workstation organization, while decreasing LC archiving process time by 70% through file numbering.
- Took pioneering role in creating new LC opening process with GTS, collaborating closely with strategy and process development teams and IT teams on implementation of new Global Trade System.
- Continuously developed new features and enhanced existing features of GTS system in collaboration with strategy and process development teams and IT team.
- Initiated Electronic Signature Project in partnership with Strategy and Process Development Teams and IT Teams. Actively participated in negotiations with banks, IT teams, and Finance teams to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Consistently improved LC opening processes and simplified procedures by closely working with buying and merchandising teams, IT team, and strategy and process development teams.
- Proactively organized and conducted educational meetings with buying teams to enhance their understanding and awareness of trade operations.
Import Specialist
Koton Mağazacılık A.Ş.
Istanbul, 34
08.2015 - 01.2017
- Oversaw comprehensive door-to-door import operations exclusively for Koton Kids brand.
- Maintained control over and audited all shipment requirements and regulations.
- Managed all customs procedures for both import and export operations through collaboration with third parties and brokers.
- Coordinated with finance department to address payment-related issues effectively.
- Remained updated on import regulations, permissions, and laws, and adjusted processes accordingly.
- Prevented 10% loss in tax costs by diligently reviewing, auditing, and maintaining import files to ensure compliance with Customs Regulations, including auditing broker activities.
Import Specialist
COLIN'S (ERK PAZARLAMA VE GİYİM SAN. TİC.)
Istanbul, 34
02.2013 - 08.2015
- As a participant in a global import team organized into smaller units, my primary role involved facilitating communication between customs brokers and bonded warehouses.
- Oversaw global import operations utilizing LTS (Logistics Tracking System) for efficient management.
- Managed pertinent budgeting strategies, documentation, and archival processes.
- Utilizing leadership skills and enhancing communication between customs brokers and bonded warehouses led to 40% reduction in container unloading time.
Import & Export Specialist
Regi Security Systems
Istanbul, 34
01.2007 - 02.2013
- Managed vendor accounts and operations for global import and export, overseeing all facets of vendor relations and operational activities.
- Acted as consultant for legislation and effectively oversaw government and customs relations, ensuring compliance with regulations and laws governing import and export activities.
- Developed cost and budget plans, optimizing logistics by managing costs, performance, and logistics providers across ocean, road, and air freight.
- Mitigated 20% loss of time and cost by ensuring timely receipt of all pre-alerts from forwarders, banks, and customs brokers, thereby improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness in import and export operations.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - International Relations
09.2002 - 06.2007
Skills
Customs Compliance & Import Management
MS Office
Import Documentation & Incoterms Knowledge
Cost Analysis
Team building
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Warehouse Operations
Customs Compliance & Import Management
Interests
Charity
Pets/Animals
Gaming
Board Games
Timeline
Import Specialist - Koton Mağazacılık A.Ş.
08.2015 - 01.2017
Import Specialist - COLIN'S (ERK PAZARLAMA VE GİYİM SAN. TİC.)
02.2013 - 08.2015
Import & Export Specialist - Regi Security Systems
01.2007 - 02.2013
SAKARYA UNİVERSITY - Bachelor's Degree, International Relations
09.2002 - 06.2007
Import Clearance Unit Manager - LC Waikiki Mağazacılık Hizmetleri Ticaret A.Ş.
2 2022 - 04.2024
Import Specialist - LC Waikiki Mağazacılık Hizmetleri Ticaret A.Ş.
1 2017 - 2 2022