Subject Matter Expert (SME) Customs

A.P. Moller - Maersk; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Maersk is seeking a highly motivated Subject Matter Expert (SME) Customs to join the Customs team in Durban/CPT. You will act as the bridge between Area Customs teams and FPO/Platform teams, driving standardization, operational excellence, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance customs processes and system implementations.

You will lead process improvement efforts, support UAT, deliver training, and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to improve efficiency and customer

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of customs processes and regulatory workflows.
• Excellent data analytics capabilities to interpret performance trends.
• Experience with operational platforms and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary link between Area Customs teams and FPO/Platform teams.
• Bridge between operations and system stakeholders to drive alignment.
• Lead and manage customer implementation activities related to customs processes and system enhancements.
• Provide ongoing support to Super Users and Area MCS Managers.
• Escalate issues to Central FPO and Platform teams as required.
• Drive process optimization and standardization across Customs operations.
• Participate in UAT and support deployment of new systems and tools.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and identify trends and improvements.
• Develop and deliver training programs to strengthen capabilities and system adoption.
• Support change management and successful implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Skills

Customs knowledge

Data analytics

Systems & reporting

Stakeholder management

Project management

Training & coaching

Communication

Education

Customs, Supply Chain, Logistics qualification

Job description

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Customs (JL3)

At Maersk, we are transforming global trade by connecting and simplifying our customers’ supply chains. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) Customs to join our Customs team in Durban/CPT

In this role, you will act as the key link between the Customs organization and Functional Process Owners (FPO) and Platform teams, driving process standardization, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and digital transformation initiatives. You will play a critical role in enhancing customs processes, supporting system implementations, and building operational capabilities across the business.

Purpose of the Role:

To champion standardization, process excellence, and continuous improvement within Customs operations while acting as the bridge between Area Customs teams and FPO/Platform teams to drive transformation initiatives and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Area Customs teams and FPO/Platform teams.
• Act as the bridge between business operations and system/process stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful implementation of initiatives.
• Lead and project manage customer implementation activities related to customs processes and system enhancements.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to Super Users and Area MCS Managers.
• Escalate operational, process, and system-related issues to Central FPO and Platform teams where required.
• Drive process optimization, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives across Customs operations.
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and support deployment of new systems, tools, and functionality.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and reporting to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop, facilitate, and deliver training programs to strengthen functional capabilities and system adoption.
• Support change management activities and ensure successful implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to improve operational efficiency and customer outcomes.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong Customs knowledge and understanding of customs processes, regulations, and operational workflows.
• Excellent data analytics capabilities with the ability to interpret performance trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Strong systems and technical knowledge, including experience with operational platforms and reporting tools.
• Process improvement and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across multiple levels of the organization.
• Project management and implementation experience.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and training skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.

What We Are Looking For

Someone With:

• 3–5 years of experience within Customs, Supply Chain, Logistics, Freight Forwarding, or Trade Compliance environments.
• Experience working with operational reporting platforms, performance metrics, and analytics tools.
• Proven experience supporting business transformation, process improvement, or system implementation projects.
• Strong understanding of Customs processes and operational workflows.
• Certification or qualification in Customs, Supply Chain, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field will be advantageous.
• Experience supporting training, change management, or system adoption initiatives is beneficial.
• A collaborative and proactive professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment.
• A problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• An individual who can influence stakeholders, drive change, and support business transformation initiatives.
• A strong communicator who can effectively engage operational teams, management, and technical stakeholders.
• A self-driven professional with strong attention to detail, accountability, and a customer‑centric mindset.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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