Import & Customs Logistics Specialist – FMCG

Supply Tech Nexus; Jeddah; On-site; SAR 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, seeks an Import & Customs Logistics Specialist to oversee end-to-end import flows, navigate SFDA, SASO and ZATCA requirements, and ensure compliant, cost-efficient customs clearance in a fast-paced FMCG supply chain.

You will coordinate shipments from origin to warehouse, manage documentation, and drive continuous improvements with Excel and Power BI, aligning with regulatory norms in KSA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management or related field.
• 1–2 years hands-on experience in import operations, customs clearance, freight forwarding, or logistics in Saudi Arabia.
• Practical knowledge of KSA regulatory frameworks (SFDA, SASO, ZATCA).
• Bilingual Arabic and English required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; Power BI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end customs clearance for incoming goods with permits and approvals.
• Track import shipments end-to-end from origin to warehouse, monitor timelines.
• Coordinate with logistics providers and internal teams to minimize demurrage and detention charges.
• Use analytics tools (Excel, Power BI) for continuous improvement and lead time reduction.

Skills

Bilingual Arabic & English

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Import & Customs Logistics Specialist – FMCG & Regulatory Governance

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Unilever
• FMCG / Beauty & Personal Care
• Full-time On-site

The Context

Unilever, one of the world's leading consumer goods organizations, is hiring an Import and Customs Logistics Specialist to oversee its expanding import operations across Saudi Arabia from its Jeddah hub. The role centers on managing end-to-end import shipment flows, navigating complex local regulatory frameworks, and guaranteeing cost-effective, compliant customs clearance in a fast-paced FMCG supply chain.

What The Role Covers

Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance

You manage the end-to-end customs clearance process for incoming goods, obtaining necessary approvals and permits ahead of shipment arrival. You ensure strict compliance with Saudi Arabian regulatory bodies, including SFDA, SASO, and ZATCA, while managing triangulation invoice requirements and customs exemptions.

Import Operations & Shipment Coordination

You track import shipments from origin through to final delivery at designated warehouses, monitoring transit timelines and delivery readiness. You actively follow up on empty container returns to eliminate demurrage and detention charges, while keeping accurate records across internal logistics systems.

Vendor Management & Process Optimization

You act as the main operational contact for logistics service providers, freight forwarders, government officials, and internal warehouse teams. You monitor vendor performance, identify operational bottlenecks, measure clearance lead times, and leverage analytics tools like Excel and Power BI to support continuous improvement projects.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 1–2 years of hands‑on experience in import operations, customs clearance, freight forwarding, or logistics in Saudi Arabia
• Practical knowledge of KSA regulatory frameworks and platforms, specifically SFDA, SASO, and ZATCA Customs
• Bilingual fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint), with Power BI skills considered a strong advantage

Why This Role Stands Out - Supply Tech Nexus Take

Saudi Arabia remains one of the fastest‑evolving supply chain markets in the MENA region, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and stringent trade governance. Developing early‑career expertise within Unilever's structured logistics function provides rare exposure to multi‑agency regulatory compliance (SFDA, SASO, ZATCA), making this position a high‑value accelerator for supply chain professionals in the Kingdom.

While LinkedIn indicates higher applicant activity, entry‑level to junior roles in KSA that require both local regulatory fluency (SFDA/ZATCA) and bilingual skills typically yield a small pool of truly qualified candidates. Applicants with hands‑on customs documentation experience and system knowledge will stand out quickly in the selection process.

Salary Benchmark - KSA Market (2024/2025)

• Base salary: SAR 12,000 - 18,000/month