Lead - Import and Export

About This Role

About Opptra:

Opptra is a digital-first omnichannel distributor helping global brands enter and scale across Asia’s fastest-growing consumer markets - India, Southeast Asia, and the GCC. Founded by Binny Bansal (co-founder of Flipkart), Opptra operates on a stock-and-sell model, purchasing inventory upfront and running end-to-end operations from market entry strategy through to post-purchase experience.

About the role:

We're looking for an experienced Import and Export Lead to own end-to-end trade operations across India, Southeast Asia, and GCC corridors. Based in Dubai, you'll anchor GCC trade while driving regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and seamless customs clearance in a high-velocity ecommerce environment.

Key Responsibilities:

End-to-End Export & Import Management:

• Manage international shipments (air & sea freight)
• Oversee documentation: Invoice, Packing List, COO, BL/AWB, HS codes
• Ensure accurate product classification and customs valuation
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, CHAs, and customs brokers

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:

• Ensure compliance with UAE customs laws and GCC trade regulations
• Oversee import/export regulations for India and SEA markets
• Manage duty structures, VAT implications, and free zone requirements
• Ensure adherence to re-export and bonded warehouse rules

Cross-Border Inventory Movement:

• Plan consolidation strategies across geographies
• Optimize freight costs and transit timelines
• Coordinate with warehousing teams in UAE and origin countries
• Support 1P inventory movements and replenishment cycles

Cost & Duty Optimization:

• Evaluate duty drawback, FTA benefits, and preferential trade agreements
• Optimize HS classification to avoid overpayment
• Monitor demurrage, detention, and clearance delays
• Drive landed cost efficiency

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Work closely with: Supply Chain
• Finance (for duty accounting & working capital impact)
• Marketplace teams and
• External logistics partners

Experience:

• 6–10+ years in EXIM / international trade operations
• Strong experience managing GCC trade corridors
• Hands-on exposure to UAE customs processes
• Experience handling multi-country ecommerce shipments

Technical Knowledge:

• HS code classification
• UAE customs portal & clearance processes
• VAT and duty frameworks
• Free zone vs mainland trade compliance
• Freight (air & sea) cost structures

Preferred Background:

• Experience in ecommerce or distribution-led businesses
• Exposure to high-SKU environments
• Experience managing trade flows linked to platforms like Amazon or Noon