Customs Management Manager - Import & Export (ID: 713093)

PERSOL Malaysia; Subang Jaya; On-site; MYR 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PERSOL Malaysia in Subang Jaya is seeking a Senior Customs Manager to lead strategic and operational customs functions across air and sea clearance, port and airport operations, and broker management. You will build strong government relationships, handle escalation of disputes, optimize duty costs, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement with cross-functional teams.

This role offers leadership of a high-performing team across Procurement, Warehousing, Transportation,

Responsibilities

• Oversee air and sea customs clearance to ensure timely processing and minimal delays.
• Direct and monitor port and airport operations at key Malaysian hubs.
• Audit and manage performance and KPIs of external brokers, 3PLs, and freight forwarders.
• Streamline procedures, implement best practices, and introduce digital solutions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Build and maintain relationships with RMCD, MITI, MAQIS, SIRIM, MIDA, and port authorities.
• Resolve complex customs holds, audits, disputes, valuation challenges, and tariff classification appeals.
• Stay updated on regulatory developments and advise management on statutory changes.
• Ensure 100% adherence to the Customs Act 1967, Free Zone Act 1990, Strategic Trade Act 2010, SST Acts, and international trade agreements.
• Leverage FTAs/ATIGA/RCEP, LMW, FCZ, and Duty Exemption/Drawback schemes to optimize landed costs.
• Oversee HS code classification, origin determination, and valuation rules across product lines.
• Establish SOPs, conduct internal audits, and maintain audit readiness for RMCD reviews.
• Train, mentor, and lead a customs team handling documentation and system filings (uCustoms/SMK/Dagang Net).
• Collaborate with Procurement, Warehousing, Transportation, Legal, and Finance to ensure smooth cross-border flows and accurate duty accruals.
• Establish KPIs (clear lead times, inspection query rates, compliance accuracy, duty savings) and report performance to leadership.

Job description

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. 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 delays.
• 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.