EXIM Coordinator – Import & Export
Role Summary
The EXIM Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing end-to-end import and export activities for materials, equipment, project cargo, consumables and marine spares, with particular focus on Saudi Arabia (KSA) customs and regulatory clearance requirements. The role ensures that shipments are correctly documented, regulatory approvals are obtained in advance, customs declarations and related applications are processed accurately and cargo is cleared and delivered within the required project schedule.
The position acts as the primary coordination point between project teams, procurement, suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, vessel/port agents, shipping lines, transporters, warehouse teams, customs authorities and relevant Saudi regulatory bodies. The EXIM Coordinator shall proactively monitor shipment status, resolve documentation or clearance issues, and maintain complete audit-ready records for all import/export transactions.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate complete import and export processes for Vessels, Cargo, marine spares, equipment, consumables, provisions and operational materials to/from Saudi Arabia.
- Prepare, review and validate commercial and shipping documentation including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin and other supporting documents.
- Coordinate preparation and submission of Customs Import/Export declarations and ensure all shipment information is consistent across invoices, packing lists, transport documents, HS codes, quantities, weights, values and consignee/shipper details.
- Manage Saudi customs clearance formalities through the applicable customs and trade platforms and coordinate closely with the appointed customs broker/clearing agent.
- Prepare SEBAR application and related cargo approval requirements, ensuring applications are initiated early and all supporting documents are submitted correctly.
- Coordinate SABER/SASO product conformity requirements where applicable, including product registration, conformity certification, shipment certification and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate ZATCA/customs requirements, customs duty and applicable tax/fee assessment, payment follow-up and release of cargo.
- Coordinate FASAH and other applicable Saudi import/export documentation or electronic filing requirements through the customs broker and relevant stakeholders.
- Verify HS classification and ensure the correct customs tariff code is used; escalat classification uncertainty to the appropriate technical/procurement/customs specialist before declaration.
- Coordinate regulatory approvals for controlled or restricted materials where applicable, including product-specific approvals and permits required by Saudi authorities.
- Ensure original documents, certificates, approvals, declarations, and customs release documents are properly controlled and retained for audit and future reference.
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in import/export, customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping or logistics coordination.
- Hands-on experience with Saudi Arabia import/export and customs clearance procedures is preferred.
- Experience in oil & gas, marine, EPC, offshore, agency, project cargo logistics is an advantage. Working knowledge of Saudi customs and trade requirements, HS classification, commercial documentation and regulatory approvals.
- Proficiency in MS Office and shipment tracking/reporting tools.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of import/export logistics and international shipping processes.
- Practical understanding of Saudi customs clearance and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Working knowledge of SEBAR/SASO, ZATCA, FASAH and other applicable Saudi regulatory/customs platforms and processes.
- Good understanding of HS codes, customs valuation, duty/tax implications and restricted/regulated cargo requirements.
- Strong follow-up skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to urgent project and vessel requirements.
- Strong reporting, tracking and analytical skills.
- Team players with professional interpersonal skills and a customer-focused approach.
Responsibilities
- EXIM Planning & Coordination Plan and coordinate import/export shipments in line with project priorities, supplier readiness, vessel/flight schedules and required delivery dates.
- Documentation & Compliance Ensure all commercial, shipping, customs, SEBAR/SASO and other regulatory documents are accurate, complete and submitted within required timelines.
- Saudi Customs Clearance Coordinate customs declaration, inspection, duty/tax assessment, payment, queries, amendments and final cargo release through the appointed customs broker and relevant authorities.
- Regulatory Approvals Monitor and coordinate applicable product, conformity, restricted-cargo and government approvals required before shipment arrival or customs clearance.
- Shipment Monitoring Track shipments from supplier dispatch through export clearance, transit, arrival, import clearance, release and final delivery, escalating risks and delays promptly.
- Stakeholder Coordination Liaise with suppliers, procurement, project teams, freight forwarders, shipping lines, vessel agents, customs brokers, transporters, ports and authorities to resolve clearance and logistics issues.
- Cost & Exception Control Monitor customs duties, taxes, storage, demurrage, detention, inspection and other clearance costs and take timely action to minimize avoidable charges.
- Reporting & Records Maintain accurate shipment trackers, clearance records, approval status, customs documents and management reports for operational visibility and audit readiness.