Import Clearance Specialist

Factory Import Clearance
POSITION SNAPSHOT
Location: Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Company: Nestlé Saudi Manufacturing Full-Time Contract
Reports to: Import Clearance Supervisor
POSITION SUMMARY
Joining Nestlé means you are joining the largest Food and Beverage Company in the world. At our very core, we are a human environment - passionate people driven by the purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. A Nestlé career empowers you to make an impact locally and globally, as you are provided with the opportunity to make a mark and stand out, if you seek it. With Nestlé, you are enabled and encouraged to grow not only as professionals but also as people.
We are looking for a Customs Clearance Specialist with the required knowledge and expertise to ensure smooth flow of materials and information for inbound and outbound shipments, in line with good warehousing practices. The warehouse is located in a Green Field Food Factory in Jeddah.
In this role, you manage the customs clearance operations to deliver timely and efficient service within the expected cost and in a safe and sustainable manner. The operations must be cost-effective, driven by initiatives to consistently ensure reduction of cost through coaching and retaining logistic competencies while working hand in hand with other factory functions.
Focus of this role is to:
Ensure smooth and timely customs clearance for all inbound and outbound shipments by coordinating with internal teams and external regulatory authorities. The Customs Clearance Specialist is responsible for managing the full clearance process to ensure compliance with local and international regulations while maintaining cost-effective operations.
In this role, you will:

Coordinate and manage customs documentation: Ensure that all necessary documentation, including import/export declarations, certificates of origin, and other required regulatory paperwork, is prepared accurately and submitted on time to avoid delays.
Liaise with customs authorities and brokers: Maintain strong relationships with customs officials, shipping agents, and brokers to facilitate the clearance process and resolve any issues that may arise.
Ensure compliance with customs regulations: Keep up-to-date with changes in customs laws and regulations, and ensure that the company remains compliant to avoid penalties or delays.
Monitor shipment status: Track shipments to ensure they are cleared and delivered on schedule. Provide updates to internal stakeholders on the progress of imports and exports.
Optimize clearance processes: Continuously review and improve the customs clearance processes to reduce costs and enhance efficiency, ensuring that goods are moved through customs quickly and without unnecessary expenses.
Handle dispute resolutions: Proactively manage and resolve any disputes or delays that arise during the clearance process, working with relevant authorities to minimize disruptions.

A DAY IN THE LIFE …
Functional Responsibilities

Customs Documentation and Compliance:

Ensure accurate preparation and timely submission of all required customs documentation, including import/export declarations, invoices, and certificates.
Monitor compliance with local, regional, and international customs regulations to avoid delays, fines, or penalties.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of customs laws and tariffs, ensuring adherence to changing regulations.

Coordination with Internal and External Stakeholders:

Collaborate with logistics teams, suppliers, and freight forwarders to manage the end-to-end customs clearance process.
Serve as the primary point of contact between the company and customs brokers, port authorities, and other government agencies to resolve clearance issues swiftly.
Facilitate the exchange of information between internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth flow of shipments.

Process Optimization and Cost Control:

Identify opportunities to streamline customs processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs without compromising compliance.
Analyze customs fees, tariffs, and taxes, and implement strategies to minimize costs while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency.

Tracking and Reporting:

Monitor the progress of shipments through the customs clearance process and provide timely updates to internal teams on shipment status.
Maintain detailed records of all customs activities, including documentation, disputes, and clearance times, to generate regular reports for management.
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customs clearance times, compliance rates, and cost savings.

Risk Management and Dispute Resolution:

Proactively address any issues that arise during the customs clearance process, including discrepancies in documentation, regulatory changes, or shipment delays.
Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks associated with customs-related disruptions.
Handle disputes and ensure timely resolution of issues with customs authorities, shipping agents, and other involved parties.

Training and Compliance Support:

Provide guidance and training to internal teams on customs procedures and best practices, ensuring they are aware of changes in regulations and documentation requirements.
Support the development and implementation of internal customs compliance policies to align with regulatory changes and industry standards.

Qualifications Required:

Educational Background:

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Relevant customs or trade certifications are a plus.

Experience:

3-5 years of experience in customs clearance or import/export operations.
Experience working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory agencies.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of customs regulations and international trade laws.
Proficiency in customs software.

Communication Skills:

Strong verbal and written communication, with the ability to liaise with customs officials and internal teams.
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