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Job Description
Roles & Responsibilities
1. Customs Clearance Governance & Execution:
Lead and govern end to end customs clearance operations for imports and exports across KSA and Bahrain, covering seaports, land borders, bonded facilities, and cross border movements.
Ensure shipments are cleared on time, in full, and in compliance with local laws, Unified Customs Regulations, and Unilever internal governance.
Proactively manage customs inspections, holds, additional requirements, and system issues to prevent supply disruptions and business impact.
Monitor and drive continuous improvement of customs clearance lead time, demurrage, detention, and clearance cost KPIs.
2. Government Relations & Regulatory Representation:
Act as Unilever s official and authorized representative with Customs Authorities, SFDA, SASO/SABER, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Energy, VAT authorities, and other regulatory bodies across GCC.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with government stakeholders to facilitate smooth operations, issue resolution, and regulatory alignment.
Manage official communications, meetings, and escalations with authorities in coordination with Legal, Tax, and Global Trade teams.
Represent the business during audits, post clearance reviews, regulatory inquiries, and compliance assessments.
3. Trade Compliance, Licensing & Certifications:
Ensure full compliance with import/export regulations related to FMCG, cosmetics, chemicals, raw and packaging materials, and factory equipment.
Oversee the acquisition, renewal, and governance of regulatory licenses, approvals, and certificates including:
o Certificates of Origin (COO)
o GS1
o SASO Jeem1
o Saudi Made
o SFDA registrations and Cosmetics COCs
o SABER certifications and exemptions
o Free Sale Certificates for exports
Ensure documentation accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness across all GCC markets.
4. Customs Broker & Service Provider Governance:
Own and manage customs broker authorizations across ports and GCC countries, including issuance, renewal, and termination.
Govern broker performance against service, compliance, and cost KPIs.
Lead performance reviews, corrective actions, and escalations to ensure adherence to Unilever standards.
Support sourcing, evaluation, and commercial discussions related to customs brokerage and clearance services.
5. Cost Optimization & Commercial Impact:
Drive customs related cost optimization initiatives, including duty exemptions, preferential tariff utilization, SABER cost reductions, and port charge savings.
Actively manage and minimize demurrage, detention, penalties, and compliance related financial exposure.
Provide commercial input into broker contracts, payment terms, and service models to protect clearance efficiency and business continuity.
Support joint cost saving initiatives with Logistics, Procurement, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
6. Trade Compliance Programs & Governance Frameworks:
Support and coordinate AEO programs, Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs), and trade compliance initiatives across GCC.
Ensure alignment with Unilever global trade governance, documentation standards, and internal control frameworks.
Maintain structured digital archiving and documentation processes to support audits and regulatory reviews.
7. Cross Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
Partner closely with Logistics, Planning, Finance, Legal, Tax, Supply Chain, and Factory teams to ensure aligned customs execution.
Act as the regional subject matter expert for customs and government relations, providing guidance and direction to internal stakeholders.
Lead issue resolution and decision making in complex, high risk, or time critical customs scenarios.
8. Capability Building & Continuous Improvement:
Contribute to building customs and regulatory knowledge within the team through coaching, guidance, and knowledge sharing.
Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and digitalize customs processes across KSA/Bahrain.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen governance, visibility, and operational efficiency.
Desired Candidate Profile
Experiences & Qualifications
Minimum (Essential to succeed in the role):
Minimum 5 years of experience in Customs Clearance, Trade Compliance, Logistics, Government Relations, or Supply Chain operations, with direct exposure to KSA and/or GCC markets.
Proven experience managing customs clearance operations, regulatory requirements, and government interfaces for imports and exports.
Strong working knowledge of GCC customs regulations, local country requirements, and cross border trade processes.
Bachelor s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Port Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience working cross functionally with Logistics, Finance, Legal, Tax, Planning, and Supply Chain teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting or leading AEO programs, audits, or trade compliance initiatives.
Exposure to FMCG operations, especially cosmetics, chemicals, raw and packaging materials, or factory equipment imports.
Experience engaging with customs authorities, ministries, and regulatory bodies in GCC markets.
Professional certifications related to customs, trade compliance, or supply chain (e.g., trade compliance, logistics, or customs related programs).
Company Industry
- FMCG
- Foods
- Beverages
Department / Functional Area
- Logistics
- Supply Chain
Keywords
- Arabia Customs Clearance & Gov Relations Assistant Manager
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Unilever
Unilever is an Anglo-Dutch multinational consumer goods company co-headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and London, United Kingdom. Its products include food, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products. It is the world's third-largest consumer goods company measured by 2012 revenue, after Procter & Gamble and Nestlé.[5] Unilever is the world's largest producer of food spreads, such as margarine.[6] One of the oldest multinational companies, its products are available in around 190 countries._x000D_
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Unilever owns over 400 brands, but focuses on 14 brands with sales of over 1 billion euros - Axe/Lynx, Dove, Omo, Becel/Flora, Heartbrand ice creams, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Lux, Magnum, Rama, Rexona aka Sure\Degree\Rexena\Shield, Sunsilk and Surf.[7] It is a dual-listed company consisting of Unilever N.V., based in Rotterdam, and Unilever plc, based in London. The two companies operate as a single business, with a common board of directors. Unilever is organised into four main divisions - Foods, Refreshment (beverages and ice cream), Home Care, and Personal Care. It has research and development facilities in the United Kingdom (2), the Netherlands, China, India and the United States.