Customs Management Manager

SF Global Express (M) Sdn Bhd; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Global Express (M) Sdn Bhd in Subang Jaya, Malaysia seeks a Customs Management Manager to oversee import/export clearance across air and sea hubs, serving as strategic lead for government liaison and compliance. You will optimize procedures and manage brokers to reduce cycle times.

You will monitor KPIs, ensure adherence to RMCD acts, and drive automation initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency in cross-border flows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Customs, Business Administration or related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in customs, trade compliance, freight forwarding, logistics or supply chain.
• Strong knowledge of Malaysian customs regulations, import/export procedures and trade compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end customs clearance performance for air and sea imports/exports to ensure timely processing.
• Direct and monitor port and airport operations across key Malaysian hubs (Port Klang, Penang, Johor Port, KLIA).
• Audit and manage performance/KPIs of external brokers, 3PLs and forwarders.
• Streamline procedures and introduce digital/automation solutions to improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong government relations with RMCD, MITI, MAQIS, SIRIM, MIDA and port authorities.
• Establish SOPs, conduct internal audits, and ensure audit readiness for RMCD reviews.

Skills

Customs management

Stakeholder management

HS Code knowledge

Leadership

Analytical skills

uCustoms

SMK

Dagang Net

Education

Bachelor's degree

Related discipline

Customs

Tools

uCustoms

SMK

Dagang Net

Job description

We are looking for Customs Management Manager who responsible for overseeing and optimizing all import/export customs clearance operations across air freight and sea freight hubs in Malaysia. This role serves as the primary strategic and operational lead for direct government liaison (Royal Malaysian Customs Department, MITI, Port Authorities, MAQIS, SIRIM, etc.), operational performance at major seaports and airports, and regulatory compliance. The objective is to strengthen overall customs capabilities, reduce cycle times, mitigate risks, and optimize customs duties/tax structures.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Customs Management

• End-to-End Customs Performance: Oversee overall air and sea customs clearance performance to ensure timely processing, zero demurrage/detention leakage, and minimal border dealys.
• Air & Sea Port Operations: Direct and monitor all operational activities at key Malaysian seaports (e.g., Port Klang, Penang Port, Johor Port/PTP) and airports (e.g., KLIA, Penang International Airport).
• Broker & Forwarder Management: Audit and manage performance, KPIs, and compliance standards of external customs brokers, 3PL partners, and freight forwarders.
• Customs Optimization: Streamline customs clearance procedures, implement best practices, and introduce digital/automation solutions to improve overall speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

Government Liaison & Stakeholder Relationship Building

• Government Relations: Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with senior officials at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD / JKDM), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), MAQIS, SIRIM, MIDA, and port authorities.
• Issue Escalation & Resolution: Serve as the principal point of contact for resolving complex customs holds, audits, disputes, valuation challenges, and tariff classification appeals.
• Trade Advisory: Stay abreast of political and regulatory developments impacting Malaysian trade and advise senior management on incoming statutory changes.

Compliance, Trade Policy & Duty Optimization

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure 100% adherence to the Customs Act 1967, Free Zone Act 1990, Strategic Trade Act 2010, Sales Tax/Service Tax (SST) Acts, and international trade agreements.
• Trade Schemes & Incentives: Leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs/ATIGA/RCEP), Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse (LMW) schemes, Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) benefits, and Duty Exemption/Drawback schemes to optimize landed costs.
• HS Code & Valuation Oversight: Oversee accurate Harmonized System (HS) code classification, origin determination, and valuation rules across all product lines.
• Internal Audits & Risk Management: Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), conduct regular internal customs compliance audits, and maintain audit readiness for official RMCD reviews.

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Capability Building: Train, mentor, and build a high-performing customs operational team to handle daily documentation, system filings (uCustoms / SMK / Dagang Net), and exceptions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Procurement, Warehousing, Transportation, Legal, and Finance teams to ensure smooth cross-border flows and accurate duty tax accruals/payments.
• SLA & KPI Tracking: Establish clear KPIs (e.g., clearance lead times, customs inspection query rates, compliance accuracy, duty savings) and present regular performance reports to leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Customs, Business Administration or a related discipline.

8+ years of relevant experience in customs, trade compliance, freight forwarding, logistics or supply chain, with solid managerial experience.

Strong knowledge of Malaysian customs regulations, import/export procedures and trade compliance.

Experience managing customs operations across both air and sea freight.

Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience dealing with government authorities and external customs brokers.

Good understanding of HS Code classification, customs valuation, country of origin, FTAs and duty/tax optimization.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and leadership capabilities.

Experience with customs systems such as uCustoms, SMK and Dagang Net will be an advantage.

Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia. Mandarin is an added advantage.