Customs Affairs Officer

SGS; Dubai; On-site; AED 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS in Dubai seeks a Senior Regulatory & Customs Manager to lead end-to-end customs strategy, compliance, and process improvements. You will drive regulatory engagement with authorities, support customer-facing teams, and oversee cost-efficient clearance operations across all UAE regimes.

The role requires extensive import/export experience, a strong regulatory network, and a track record of delivering compliant, timely customs solutions in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Senior-level import/export experience in UAE markets.
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience.
• Experience in operations/services environment is advantageous.
• Strong network within customs and regulatory bodies.
• University degree and customs qualifications.
• Must be certified by customs on clearance processes.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritize initiatives to improve service quality and cost position.
• Develop relationships with National Customs and authorities.
• Represent SGS in negotiations with customs and border agencies.
• Provide regular regulatory updates to customers.
• Plan and implement projects to streamline clearance activity.
• Audit clearance performance and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Presentation skills

Legal skills

Education

University Degree

Technical qualifications in the customs field

Customs clearance certification

Job description

• Identify develop and prioritize initiatives that will improve the quality of service to SGS customers inbound / outbound transit time and the overall cost position. Develop relationships with National Customs and other regulatory authorities
• Area of responsibility: DAFZJAFZSAIF ZONEDICDMCT2DCV all customs regimes in UAE
• Customs duty payout and recovery and customs compliance in all transactions with customs
• Provide regular communication to SGS customers on regulatory change and improvement.
• Provide regular reporting on performance and costs associated with Regulatory clearance.
• Represent SGS interests at all levels of Customs & Regulatory administration with professionalism and integrity.
• Act as the company representative in discussions & negotiations with customs authorities & other border agencies.
• Present initiatives to and actively lobby Government and other regulatory authorities to facilitate the customs clearance process.
• Work with the Sales groups to advise customers only customs/trade regulations and with country operations management to streamline clearance activity and lower cost.
• Implement a sound customs strategy with programs and projects developed in line with the key aspirations of improved clearance performance and reduced cost.
• Identify opportunities both internal and external and recommend initiatives that will facilitate the customs clearance process.
• Conduct regular audits of clearance performance to ensure compliance to network standards and achievement of the best-cost position.
• Identify opportunities and impediments in the areas of International trade facilitation export incentive schemes trade and policy development and bilateral and multilateral country agreements and work with country management to implement solutions.
• Ensure SGS customs processes are in compliance with all local laws regulations & practices.
• Identify and assist in the implementation of training programs.
• Plan implement and execute identified projects.
• Provide technical support to specified projects.
• Determine organization structure roles and responsibility and performance targets for the function
• Develop a culture of quality service excellence (for internal customers) flexibility and cost consciousness.
• Develop a team spirit and multitasking capabilities within the team.
• Plan organise and direct an efficient and effective function.
• Develop IKOs/KPIs with team members and monitor individual performance.
• Conduct performance appraisal including coaching
• Manage the allocation of appropriate resources and commitment of staff to the achievement of Global Regional and Country objectives and targets.
• Identify training needs and opportunities to develop a highly skilled functional department.

Qualifications

Experience gained through country import / export industry at a senior level

• 10 years relevant experience
• Experience gained in operations / services environment an advantage
• Established network of contacts within the customs and regulatory environment
• University Degree
• Technical qualifications in the customs field
• Should be certified by customs on clearance process

Skills

• Presentation skills (excellent)
• Legal skills

Customer Orientation

Is focused on identifying and understanding each customers needs. Expresses and acts on desire to assist customers in an efficient and friendly manner.

Business Acumen

Understands business principles and language including the fundamentals of finance and profitability. Uses this understanding to achieve results and to increase the performance and profitability of our company.

Cross Border Thinking

Has a holistic mindset and stays abreast of important trends that may affect our competitiveness as a group. Manages the business giving priority to the international position of our company.

Shaping Direction

Develops and communicates strategies and goals that achieve competitive advantage. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the organisations strengths weaknesses opportunities and threats.

Constructive Challenge

Contributes to an environment where people at all levels stand up for their ideas and where the status quo can always be challenged for the better.

Building and Leading Teams

Knows the talent* needs of the team. Attracts and develops the people who can meet those needs. Encourages effective cooperation among team members and between teams. Inspires team spirit and the commitment to achieve high standards of performance.

Building and Managing Partnerships

interpersonal styles to create and sustain effective relationships with business partners (e.g. suppliers joint venture partners industry groups competitors governments unions) and colleagues. Is open to approaches that meet mutual goals.

Commitment to Excel

Challenges self and others to exceed standards and achieve extraordinary results striving for best-in-class. Is not easily deterred when obstacles or delays are encountered.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Full-time