Customs Manager

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
We are seeking an experienced Customs Manager to lead and manage national Customs operations within a dynamic logistics and international trade environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with SARS Customs and Excise legislation, managing import and export operations, overseeing cross-border and transit activities, and driving operational excellence across the Customs function. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on Customs expertise and requires a strong understanding of Customs compliance, tariff classification, rebates, refunds, and stakeholder management. Responsibilities: National Deferment and Financial Governance: Manage all national Customs deferments and reconciliations. Forecast duties, VAT liabilities, and refund recoveries. Prepare monthly Customs financial reporting and variance commentary. Refunds, Adjustments and Rebate\/Permit Governance: Oversee duty refund and provisional-payment applications. Ensure timeous liquidations and SARS submissions. Own governance of permits, rebates, and bond-store operations, including: Monthly reconciliations Tracking and renewal of expiry dates Compliance reporting Supporting clients in establishing rebate\/bond facilities SARS Operational Interaction and Compliance: Attend to SARS stops, inspections, verifications, and documentary reviews. Drive rapid query resolution to minimize penalties and delays. Lead SARS post-clearance audits, verifications, and AEO compliance requirements. Operational Continuity and Hands-On Support: Perform full import, export, cross-border road freight, and transit clearances when required (tariffing, EDI processing, refunds, bonding, RIT\/RIB, etc.). Provide operational cover during staff absence, peak periods, or emergencies. Support Unitrans divisions with all Customs requirements. RIT\/RIB, Transit and Cross-Border Compliance: Ensure timely acquittal of all RIT\/RIB movements. Oversee compliance with SARS bonding regulations and SADC\/COMESA transit requirements. Monitor and govern all cross-border road freight documentation and compliance. Tariff Library and Technical Advisory: Maintain an updated tariff classification library. Provide advanced tariff, Incoterms, regulatory and trade documentation guidance. Track and implement tariff amendments, rebate updates, and regulatory changes. Systems, Digital Workflow and Process Management: Ensure accuracy and turnaround of all ShipShape entries. Drive workflow automation, digital optimization, and integration with BI dashboards and client systems. Identify efficiency improvements and standardize national Customs processes. Advanced Client Advisory: Conduct client reviews on tariff rulings, rebates, refunds, and regulatory impacts. Support tender inputs and new business proposals with customs expertise. Guide clients on AEO readiness and cross-border compliance. Leadership, Performance and Talent Management: Supervise, mentor, and appraise customs staff performance. Manage KPIs and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Support succession planning and identify high-potential internal talent. Training and Development: Facilitate SARS, Incoterms, and industry updates. Promote continuous technical development and compliance awareness across branches. Stakeholder Interface: The role actively engages with: SARS Customs and Excise (operational, audit, and compliance teams) Regulatory bodies (ITAC, NRCS, SADC\/COMESA) Clients (operational, finance, procurement, supply chain) Internal stakeholders: Operations Finance Sales and Commercial Divisional management Risk and Compliance IT\/Systems Requirements Qualifications and Experience: Tertiary qualification in Customs and Excise, International Trade, or Supply Chain Management. Minimum 8–10 years’ senior Customs experience, including supervisory or management roles. Strong hands-on Customs expertise (tariffing, bonding, rebates, refunds, RIT\/RIB, inspections, cross-border). Advanced knowledge of SARS systems (TMS, eFiling, EDI), ShipShape, and BI reporting. SARS Customs Master Accreditation or equivalent (advantageous). Experience in a large freight forwarding, logistics or supply chain environment (advantageous).