Customs Manager
We are seeking an experienced Customs Manager to lead and manage national Customs operations within a dynamic logistics and international trade environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with SARS Customs and Excise legislation, managing import and export operations, overseeing cross-border and transit activities, and driving operational excellence across the Customs function. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on Customs expertise and requires a strong understanding of Customs compliance, tariff classification, rebates, refunds, and stakeholder management.
Responsibilities:
- National Deferment and Financial Governance:
- Manage all national Customs deferments and reconciliations.
- Forecast duties, VAT liabilities, and refund recoveries.
- Prepare monthly Customs financial reporting and variance commentary.
Refunds, Adjustments and Rebate/Permit Governance:
- Oversee duty refund and provisional-payment applications.
- Ensure timeous liquidations and SARS submissions.
- Own governance of permits, rebates, and bond-store operations, including:
Monthly reconciliations
Tracking and renewal of expiry dates
Compliance reporting
Supporting clients in establishing rebate/bond facilities
SARS Operational Interaction and Compliance:
- Attend to SARS stops, inspections, verifications, and documentary reviews.
- Drive rapid query resolution to minimize penalties and delays.
- Lead SARS post-clearance audits, verifications, and AEO compliance requirements.
Operational Continuity and Hands-On Support:
- Perform full import, export, cross-border road freight, and transit clearances when required (tariffing, EDI processing, refunds, bonding, RIT/RIB, etc.).
- Provide operational cover during staff absence, peak periods, or emergencies.
- Support Unitrans divisions with all Customs requirements.
RIT/RIB, Transit and Cross-Border Compliance:
- Ensure timely acquittal of all RIT/RIB movements.
- Oversee compliance with SARS bonding regulations and SADC/COMESA transit requirements.
- Monitor and govern all cross-border road freight documentation and compliance.
Tariff Library and Technical Advisory:
- Maintain an updated tariff classification library.
- Provide advanced tariff, Incoterms, regulatory and trade documentation guidance.
- Track and implement tariff amendments, rebate updates, and regulatory changes.
Systems, Digital Workflow and Process Management:
- Ensure accuracy and turnaround of all ShipShape entries.
- Drive workflow automation, digital optimization, and integration with BI dashboards and client systems.
- Identify efficiency improvements and standardize national Customs processes.
Advanced Client Advisory:
- Conduct client reviews on tariff rulings, rebates, refunds, and regulatory impacts.
- Support tender inputs and new business proposals with customs expertise.
- Guide clients on AEO readiness and cross-border compliance.
Leadership, Performance and Talent Management:
- Supervise, mentor, and appraise customs staff performance.
- Manage KPIs and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning and identify high-potential internal talent.
Training and Development:
- Facilitate SARS, Incoterms, and industry updates.
- Promote continuous technical development and compliance awareness across branches.
Stakeholder Interface:
- The role actively engages with:
- SARS Customs and Excise (operational, audit, and compliance teams)
- Regulatory bodies (ITAC, NRCS, SADC/COMESA)
- Clients (operational, finance, procurement, supply chain)
- Internal stakeholders:
Operations
Finance
Sales and Commercial
Divisional management
Risk and Compliance
IT/Systems
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:
- Tertiary qualification in Customs and Excise, International Trade, or Supply Chain Management.
- Minimum 8–10 years’ senior Customs experience, including supervisory or management roles.
- Strong hands-on Customs expertise (tariffing, bonding, rebates, refunds, RIT/RIB, inspections, cross-border).
- Advanced knowledge of SARS systems (TMS, eFiling, EDI), ShipShape, and BI reporting.
- SARS Customs Master Accreditation or equivalent (advantageous).
- Experience in a large freight forwarding, logistics or supply chain environment (advantageous).