Saudi Customs Clearance Manager

Role Overview

The Saudi Customs Clearance Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing all customs-related activities to ensure smooth and compliant movement of goods through Saudi ports and bonded zones. This role requires expert knowledge of customs documentation, clearance processes, regulatory compliance, and logistics coordination to support uninterrupted factory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, examine, and confirm all import/export documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and other customs-required paperwork, ensuring accuracy and full compliance with Saudi Customs and SILZ standards.
• Oversee the entire customs clearance process at ports and SILZ gates, including submitting declarations, managing inspections, and facilitating cargo releases.
• Promptly resolve clearance issues including document discrepancies, system errors, or inspections to prevent shipment delays.
• Manage duty payment procedures and handle customs exemption applications in accordance with Saudi laws, implementing duty optimization tactics while maintaining strict regulatory adherence.
• Collaborate closely with warehouse personnel, freight forwarders, carriers, and internal teams to monitor shipments from dispatch to factory receipt, ensuring total supply chain visibility.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for customs or logistics exceptions, quickly identifying and resolving issues to minimize demurrage, storage costs, and shipment delays.
• Ensure all import and export operations fully comply with Saudi Customs regulations and SILZ protocols, proactively avoiding compliance risks, penalties, or shipment holds.
• Continuously refine clearance workflows to reduce processing time, prevent port congestion charges, and boost overall supply chain efficiency.
• Maintain production continuity by ensuring timely customs clearance and delivery of inbound materials, with a core focus on preventing any production line interruptions caused by customs or logistics challenges.

Candidate Requirements

• At least five years of direct customs clearance experience within Saudi Arabia, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• Familiarity with bonded customs zones is highly advantageous.
• Proficient in using Saudi government customs systems Fasah and Bayan, comfortable working in system-driven, standardized environments.
• Fluent in both Arabic and English to facilitate communication with customs officials and international business teams.
• Strong execution and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly correct documentation errors under pressure.
• Willingness to work on-site at company-assigned locations within Saudi Arabia.