Customs Relationship Lead
Job Description
Summary
Lead and coordinate with the team involved in the customs clearance operations of all goods that are exported or imported by air, sea, or land in each of the countries that we will operate assuring consistent quality service, customer satisfaction, cost-efficient operations, and compliance with local and international regulations. Provide guidance on documentation, regulations, clearing agents, and other stakeholders during the clearance of goods within laid down guidelines and timelines. Models and acts in accordance with NEOM guiding principles and core values.
NEOM aims at providing opportunities for people to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives, while sustainably using the natural resources they depend on.
NEOM Food has a clear vision – ‘A global community with food at its heart harnessing innovation to nourish people and the planet and guaranteeing food security for generations to come
The Sustainable Food Supply & ESG Business Unit focuses on guaranteeing the supply, either local production or imported food, of a wide assortment of safe and sustainable grown food to the NEOM population, visitors, and beyond. This unit is one of the strategic pillars of the NEOM Food Sector Strategy due to the commercialization role of the future local production at NEOM, and for being accountable to integrate sustainability and the ESG criteria in the culture, strategy, and business plan.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES
• Manage/ Coordinate relationships with all regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Health, SFDA, ZATCA, Government Quality Assurance Laboratories, customs officials at seaports and airports, shipping lines and clearing agent as well as he Government Affairs sector within NEOM.
• Drive efficiency in the entire customs clearance process to deliver cost savings, correct spending, and on-time clearance of import/export shipments.
• Consult, discuss, and negotiate with customs officials and ministries to explain the intended purpose and use of the imported products to ensure correct customs tariffs and duty codes are applied.
• Influencing and coordinating with clearing & forwarding companies to quickly offload, strip, inspect and dispatch pallets or containers.
• Seeking support from customs authorities and ministries to get all documentation errors corrected without having to re-issue documents.
• Coordinate with Government laboratories if needed to conduct tests on a priority basis and to issue release certificates in time to avoid delays and detentions.
• Provide weekly management updates on status regarding, but not limited to, customs clearing, Shipments, duties paid, lab tests done, …etc.
• Provide clarity on required import/ Export documentation for vendors/ suppliers in all countries where we will operate.
• Coordinate the approved formats and Arabic translations of documents and labels to avoid any issues with customs.
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in managing customs for Import/Export operations for an Agriculture or Ultra-fresh food chain company is a must.
• Experience in working with customs/port authorities, shipping lines, Agri-commodities trading, or third-party logistic providers would be a plus but not mandatory.
• Strong networking skills and willingness to initiate engagement with internal and external stakeholders
• Strategic thinking ability and creative development to bring breakthrough ideas to help build a brand in the market
• Experience in a multicultural environment is a plus.
• Language: Arabic & English is a must.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree
• Experienced in ERP and with other software packages including Windows, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent and effective communication skills: verbal, drafting, reporting, and presenting.
