Logistics Specialist - Import & Export

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Logistics Specialist focused on Import & Export operations based in Sharjah, UAE. This role involves managing and monitoring all import and export shipments, ensuring accurate documentation, coordinating with diverse stakeholders including suppliers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouse, finance, and sales departments. The objective is to guarantee timely delivery while overseeing cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage import shipments by liaising with international suppliers regarding shipment preparation, packing specifics, and necessary documentation.
• Track import shipments from their origin to arrival at UAE ports or final destinations, coordinating with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and customs brokers.
• Verify shipping documents before dispatch, ensure customs clearance is handled timely, and oversee delivery to warehouses.
• Monitor estimated time of arrival, vessel information, container status, and assess risks like delays or demurrage.
• Collaborate with warehouse teams for receipt, inspection, and Goods Receipt Note (GRN) updates.
• Coordinate export operations by communicating with sales, warehouse, production, and customers to process orders.
• Prepare and review export paperwork, arrange bookings with freight forwarding agents, shipping lines, or courier services.
• Oversee container loading, packing lists, shipping marks, and dispatch timelines.
• Ensure compliance of export shipments with destination country requirements, provide shipment status updates internally and externally.
• Follow up on proof of delivery and close shipments upon completion.
• Maintain, verify, and organize all import/export documentation such as Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading or Air Waybills, Certificates of Origin, HS Codes, MSDS, COO, SASO, MOFA, and customs declarations.
• Guarantee all documentation aligns accurately with purchase orders, sales orders, and shipment specifics.
• Ensure adherence to UAE customs regulations, port authority rules, free zone policies, and international trade laws.
• Solicit and evaluate freight quotations from logistics providers, negotiate shipping and clearance fees when necessary.
• Review freight invoices and other charges prior to finance approval; monitor ancillary expenses such as demurrage and storage fees.
• Maintain a database of approved vendors and freight forwarding partners for streamlined operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• Two to four years of hands-on experience in import/export logistics with preference for UAE customs and port procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of shipping documentation, international trade protocols, Incoterms, HS codes, freight forwarding, and customs compliance.
• Familiarity with ERP platforms or logistics tracking tools is advantageous.
• Proficient English communication skills, Arabic language knowledge is a plus.