Export and Import Specialist

Illertissen, Germany
Job Reference JR0085871
Function Agriculture
Contract Type Permanent
Years of Work Experience 5 - 8
Start date 2025-06-01

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods and plant-based ingredients. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. 

Structured as a matrix organisation of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally. 

In December 2024 Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) signed a binding agreement to purchase BASF’s Food and Health Performance Ingredients business including the acquisition of the Illertissen production site in Germany, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. This transition presents new and exciting opportunities for the Illertissen site under LDC's stewardship. 

The Illertissen facility is poised to continue its legacy of innovation in food and health ingredients, drive new advancements and deliver high-quality products to meet evolving consumer demand and contribute to LDC's sector growth strategies. The dedicated team of approximately 280 employees is expected to join LDC and remains committed to delivering high-quality products, ensuring a promising future for the site and its stakeholders. 

Main Responsibilities:

 

Your main missions will be to: 

 

Export & Import Operations:

  • Oversee end-to-end import and export operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries 

  • Handle customs procedures, import/export licenses, regulatory compliance, and clearance 

  • Manage Tariffication of products 

  • Work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, transport providers, and regulatory agencies to ensure efficient shipment management 

  • Ensure compliance with international trade laws, Incoterms, and food industry-specific regulations 

Documentation Management:

  • Create, manage, and maintain all necessary trade-related documentation, including: 

  • Customs declarations 

  • Certificates of origin 

  • Health certificates & other sanitary certificates 

  • Import/export permits & licenses 

  • Shipping and transport documents (e.g., Bill of Lading, Packing Lists, Commercial Invoices, etc.) 

  • Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and compliant with country-specific trade regulations 

  • Work closely with regulatory and quality teams to secure necessary certifications for different markets 

Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination:

  • Coordinate with transport providers and warehouses to optimize shipping routes and freight costs 

  • Track and monitor shipments, proactively managing potential delays, risks, and disruptions 

  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper stock management and distribution planning 

  • Support the integration of digital tools and ERP systems to streamline document and logistics processes 

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

  • Ensure full compliance with EU, US FDA, and APAC food import/export regulations 

  • Stay updated on tariffs, sanctions, customs rules, and regulatory changes impacting global trade 

  • Implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent compliance or logistical issues 

Cost Management & Process Optimization:

  • Negotiate rates with carriers, shipping lines, and customs brokers to reduce costs 

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize logistics workflows 

  • Develop and maintain best practices for trade compliance and document handling 

Required experience and technical skills:

  • Degree in Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field 

  • At least 5 years of experience in export/import operations, preferably in the food ingredients or FMCG sector 

  • Experience with ERP & logistics management systems 

  • Strong expertise in customs documentation, Incoterms, and international trade compliance 

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is required 

  • Additional languages are a plus 

Soft skills:

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills for managing critical documentation 

  • Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills 

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

Our Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​
  • Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)
  • Pension contributions
  • Access to Training and Development 

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA.

LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods and plant-based ingredients. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. 

Structured as a matrix organisation of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally. 

In December 2024 Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) signed a binding agreement to purchase BASF’s Food and Health Performance Ingredients business including the acquisition of the Illertissen production site in Germany, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. This transition presents new and exciting opportunities for the Illertissen site under LDC's stewardship. 

The Illertissen facility is poised to continue its legacy of innovation in food and health ingredients, drive new advancements and deliver high-quality products to meet evolving consumer demand and contribute to LDC's sector growth strategies. The dedicated team of approximately 280 employees is expected to join LDC and remains committed to delivering high-quality products, ensuring a promising future for the site and its stakeholders. 


Job Description

Main Responsibilities:

 

Your main missions will be to: 

 

Export & Import Operations:

  • Oversee end-to-end import and export operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries 

  • Handle customs procedures, import/export licenses, regulatory compliance, and clearance 

  • Manage Tariffication of products 

  • Work closely with freight forwarders, customs brokers, transport providers, and regulatory agencies to ensure efficient shipment management 

  • Ensure compliance with international trade laws, Incoterms, and food industry-specific regulations 

Documentation Management:

  • Create, manage, and maintain all necessary trade-related documentation, including: 

  • Customs declarations 

  • Certificates of origin 

  • Health certificates & other sanitary certificates 

  • Import/export permits & licenses 

  • Shipping and transport documents (e.g., Bill of Lading, Packing Lists, Commercial Invoices, etc.) 

  • Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and compliant with country-specific trade regulations 

  • Work closely with regulatory and quality teams to secure necessary certifications for different markets 

Logistics & Supply Chain Coordination:

  • Coordinate with transport providers and warehouses to optimize shipping routes and freight costs 

  • Track and monitor shipments, proactively managing potential delays, risks, and disruptions 

  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure proper stock management and distribution planning 

  • Support the integration of digital tools and ERP systems to streamline document and logistics processes 

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

  • Ensure full compliance with EU, US FDA, and APAC food import/export regulations 

  • Stay updated on tariffs, sanctions, customs rules, and regulatory changes impacting global trade 

  • Implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent compliance or logistical issues 

Cost Management & Process Optimization:

  • Negotiate rates with carriers, shipping lines, and customs brokers to reduce costs 

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize logistics workflows 

  • Develop and maintain best practices for trade compliance and document handling 


Experience

Required experience and technical skills:

  • Degree in Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field 

  • At least 5 years of experience in export/import operations, preferably in the food ingredients or FMCG sector 

  • Experience with ERP & logistics management systems 

  • Strong expertise in customs documentation, Incoterms, and international trade compliance 

Languages:

  • Fluency in English is required 

  • Additional languages are a plus 

Soft skills:

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills for managing critical documentation 

  • Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills 


Additional Information

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

Our Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​
  • Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)
  • Pension contributions
  • Access to Training and Development 

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA.

LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.