Shipping and Customs Manager

About the Company

Saipem is a leading global engineering and construction company active in the energy and infrastructure sectors. It delivers complex onshore and offshore projects worldwide, driven by technological innovation and a commitment to advancing the energy transition toward Net Zero emissions. The company employs around 30,000 individuals from more than 130 nationalities across over 50 countries.

Role Purpose

The Shipping & Customs Manager will report to the Project Director or Technical Manager within the supply chain/logistics department. The role involves optimizing shipping and customs procedures, selecting suitable transportation and customs strategies, and overseeing the safe, cost-effective, and timely movement of Saipem’s purchased materials, subcontractors’ equipment, and company assets, all aligned with project goals, budget, and schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize shipping and customs operations within the overall supply chain process, collaborating with procurement, expediting & inspection, asset management, and operational logistics to enhance efficiency, skillsets, and cost management.
• Develop the optimal transport and customs frameworks based on project demands including feasibility and cost evaluations.
• Oversee transport and customs procedures for Saipem’s purchased goods, subcontractor equipment, and company items from delivery points to final destinations.
• Provide logistical insights to tendering and supply chain teams when defining transport models and budgeting.
• Establish the project-wide customs strategy during tendering and execution, considering fiscal structures, vendor origins, material sourcing, and local customs regulations.
• Support procurement in determining contractual terms for delivery, transport pricing, packing requirements, and shipping directions.
• Coordinate with Expediting & Inspection to ensure prompt shipment scheduling post goods release.
• Work closely with logistics to prepare and distribute project shipping instructions through the company’s shipping and customs network.
• Collaborate with the insurance department to notify value thresholds and handle damage claims during transport.
• Review and approve scopes of work, purchase requisitions, and bid evaluations related to transport agreements and shipments.
• Manage and monitor transport agreements usage, approve related work orders within delegated limits, and authorize shipment estimates or progress reports.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation, archiving, and traceability of all shipment and customs activities.
• Facilitate information flow for contract adjustments or liquidated damages matters.
• Assign and manage Shipping & Customs coordinators as well as external resources as required for projects.
• Participate actively in vendor qualification processes and assess the performance of owners, freight forwarders, and customs brokers.

Candidate Profile

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent disciplines.

Experience: 10 to 15 years in shipping, customs, logistics, or supply chain roles, with expertise in managing transport schemes, customs procedures, and vendor relationships, preferably within oil & gas, energy, EPC, or large-scale projects.

Languages: Excellent command of English is mandatory. Proficiency in Italian, French, or Arabic is an added advantage.

Technical Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of shipping, customs, and international transport regulations including documentation, VAT, tariffs, and managing customs brokers and freight forwarders.
• Capability to design comprehensive customs strategies based on fiscal setups, vendor locations, and regulatory environments.
• Expertise in logistical planning including transport instructions, packing specifications, and Incoterms compliance aligned with project contracts.
• Familiar with preparing and evaluating scopes of work, purchase orders, and technical bids related to transport agreements.
• Understanding of port, air, and sea operations including handling of hazardous or oversized cargo and permit requirements.
• Competence in cost estimation, budget tracking, reporting, and maintaining records for shipping and customs functions.

Information Technology Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with document management, logistics tracking tools, and ERP systems such as SAP is preferred.

Additional Information

The role offers opportunities to coordinate international shipping and customs activities for projects across EMEA and offshore/onshore sites. This is a permanent, project-based role requiring 45 working hours per week (9 hours over 5 days). Availability might be needed to meet project and operational demands.

The company promotes a culture of innovation, diversity, safety, and sustainability, actively supporting employee development and career growth.

Contract Type: Permanent, project-oriented.

Work Hours: 45 hours weekly (5 days).

Location: Doha, Qatar.

Legal Compliance: In line with Qatar's data privacy law (PDPPL Law No. 13 of 2016).

Workplace and Benefits

• Corporate benefits package.
• Career development through a soft skills model emphasizing communication and collaboration.
• Opportunities to handle complex and innovative projects fostering growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

Saipem fosters diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect, recognizing that different perspectives drive innovation and progress.

Safety and Sustainability

The organization prioritizes health, safety, and environmental preservation even under challenging and extreme conditions.