Custom Clearance Section Head

About the Role

Seara International is seeking a Custom Clearance Section Head to manage import and export clearance operations. This full-time role is based in Makkah, specifically covering operations in Jeddah and Makkah. The position is critical for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining the integrity of the cold chain for frozen food products.

Role Overview

The Custom Clearance Section Head will oversee all aspects of import and export clearance for raw materials, packaging, equipment, and finished goods within a frozen food manufacturing environment. The primary objective is to ensure strict adherence to SFDA and customs regulations, prevent shipment holds, avoid cold-chain integrity loss, and minimize demurrage and detention fees. The role requires 5-10 years of experience in a relevant field.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and prepare all import/export shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Halal Certificates, and Health/Phytosanitary Certificates.
• Submit, monitor, and track customs declarations via government and customs portals (*, FASAH, SABER, Bayan, or regional equivalents).
• Ensure correct Harmonized System (HS) code classification and tariff application for raw food ingredients, frozen meat/poultry, dairy, and processing machinery.
• Coordinate with local food and drug regulatory authorities (*, SFDA, FDA) to obtain import permits, clearance approvals, and lab testing releases.
• Facilitate physical inspections, port sampling, and laboratory testing protocols for perishable and temperature-sensitive goods.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national trade laws, food import restrictions, labelling standards, and shelf-life requirements.
• Prioritize release for reefer (refrigerated) containers to preserve cold-chain continuity and prevent product spoilage.
• Monitor reefer container plugged-in statuses and plug-in charges at ports and clearance zones.
• Liaise with customs brokers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, port authorities, and transport providers to expedite container release.
• Proactively resolve holds, documentation discrepancies, and inspection delays to mitigate demurrage, storage, and detention penalties.
• Direct and evaluate third-party customs clearing agents and brokers to ensure compliance with company KPIs and clearance turnaround times.
• Manage internal documentation clerks and clearance staff, assigning daily operational priorities.
• Maintain complete audit-ready clearance archives and submit periodic reports on clearance timelines, duty expenditures, and port charges.

Key Performance Indicators

• Average Clearance Lead Time: Turnaround time for reefer container release from port arrival.
• Demurrage & Detention Cost Reduction: Elimination or minimization of avoidable port storage and reefer charges.
• Compliance Accuracy: Zero penalties or fines due to incorrect HS codes, missing permits, or documentation errors.
• Cold-Chain Continuity: Zero inventory losses caused by customs clearance delays.

Experience and Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in customs clearance, logistics, or a related field, preferably within a frozen food manufacturing or similar environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of SFDA and customs regulations.
• Experience with government and customs portals (*, FASAH, SABER, Bayan).
• Strong understanding of cold-chain standards and perishable goods handling.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Makkah, with operational responsibilities extending to Jeddah. The role involves working within a dynamic frozen food manufacturing environment, requiring close coordination with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient and compliant clearance processes.