Shipping and Clearance Team Leader

About the role

The Shipping and Clearance Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the end‑to‑end customs clearance process for inbound shipments, ensuring full compliance with UAE customs regulations and company procedures. The role coordinates between suppliers, clearing agents, transporters and internal teams to achieve timely, accurate and cost‑effective clearance.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the flow of inbound documentation between suppliers, clearing agents and transporters.
• Organise and staff the clearance team, providing training, coaching and career development.
• Set and monitor customs clearance lead‑time targets, KPI performance and cost optimisation.
• Develop and enforce import SOPs, shipping instructions and compliance guidelines.
• Check and correct import/export documents, oversee filing, and ensure audit reporting.
• Coordinate with suppliers to obtain legalized documents and monitor invoice payment cycles.
• Maintain and share OSR updates with warehouse, planners, suppliers and clearing agents.
• Communicate with customs authorities, ministries and internal finance & accounting for compliance and payment support.
• Oversee container off‑loading schedules to avoid detention costs and provide weekly delivery reports.

Required profile

• Proven experience in customs clearance and import/export logistics, preferably within the UAE.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, train and motivate a team.
• Excellent knowledge of UAE customs regulations, HS code classification and trade compliance.
• Ability to set targets, monitor KPIs and drive cost‑saving initiatives.
• Effective communication skills for liaising with suppliers, authorities and internal stakeholders.

Required skills