Customs Clearance Supervisor

The Customs Clearance Supervisor oversees end-to-end import and export clearance operations for raw materials, packaging, equipment, and finished goods within a frozen food manufacturing environment. This role ensures strict regulatory compliance with local food safety authorities, customs regulations, and cold-chain standards. The primary goal is to prevent shipment holds, avoid cold-chain integrity loss, and minimize demurrage and detention fees. Key ResponsibilitiesCustoms Documentation & Clearance OperationsSupervise and prepare all import/export shipping documentation (Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Halal Certificates, and Health/Phytosanitary Certificates).Submit, monitor, and track customs declarations via government and customs portals (e.g., FASAH, SABER, Bayan, or regional equivalents). Ensure correct Harmonized System (HS) code classification and tariff application for raw food ingredients, frozen meat/poultry, dairy, and processing machinery. Regulatory & Food Safety ComplianceCoordinate with local food and drug regulatory authorities (e.g., SFDA, FDA) to obtain import permits, clearance approvals, and lab testing releases.Facilitate physical inspections, port sampling, and laboratory testing protocols for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national trade laws, food import restrictions, labelling standards, and shelf-life requirements.Cold Chain & Port Logistics SupervisionPrioritize priority release for reefer (refrigerated) containers to preserve cold-chain continuity and prevent product spoilage.Monitor reefer container plugged-in statuses and plug-in charges at ports and clearance zones.Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, port authorities, and transport providers to expedite container release. Proactively resolve holds, documentation discrepancies, and inspection delays to mitigate demurrage, storage, and detention penalties. Brokerage & Team ManagementDirect and evaluate third-party customs clearing agents and brokers to ensure compliance with company KPIs and clearance turnaround times. Manage internal documentation clerks and clearance staff, assigning daily operational priorities. Maintain complete audit-ready clearance archives and submit periodic reports on clearance timelines, duty expenditures, and port charges. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Average Clearance Lead Time: Turnaround time for reefer container release from port arrival.Demurrage & Detention Cost Reduction: Elimination or minimization of avoidable port storage and reefer charges. Compliance Accuracy: Zero penalties or fines due to incorrect HS codes, missing permits, or documentation errors. Cold-Chain Continuity: Zero inventory losses caused by customs clearance delays.Qualifications & RequirementsEducation: Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field. Experience: 3–5 years of experience in customs clearance operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity within the FMCG, food manufacturing, or perishable goods sector. Technical Skills:Proficiency in customs submission portals and customs clearance software. In-depth understanding of food safety import regulations, health certificates, and cold-chain clearance logistics. Strong knowledge of HS codes, duty exemptions, Incoterms, and customs audit requirements. Licensing: A valid Customs Broker license/certification is highly preferred. Languages: Bilingual proficiency in English and the local primary business language (e.g., Arabic).