Position Title:  Senior Customs Specialist

We are hiring an experienced Customs & Import Export Specialist to manage and develop our inbound logistics, customs compliance, and import/export processes in South Africa.

This is a highly niche role in international logistics with strong SARS & customs process knowledge based in Cape Town. You’ll coordinate the movement of imported finished goods, raw materials, spare parts, and marketing materials from international suppliers. You will manage customs clearance and move items into our distribution network. This ensures products are available when and where they are needed.

Success in this role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. They must understand the complexities of international trade. They should confidently manage outsourced logistics partners while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

Your day to day

Lead Import & Export Operations

• Manage the end-to-end import process for finished goods, spare parts, semi-finished goods, leaf and non-tobacco materials.
• Coordinate inbound shipments from origin through customs clearance, transportation and warehouse receipt.
• Ensure product availability while optimising inventory levels, working capital and service performance.
• Support export activities for samples and other business materials.

Drive Customs Compliance

• Serve as the business authority on customs and international trade regulations.
• Ensure complete adherence to SARS Customs legislation and internal governance requirements.
• Manage customs documentation, bonded warehouse processes and customs clearances.
• Collaborate closely with customs brokers to guarantee accurate, compliant, and timely clearance of shipments.
• Identify regulatory risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Maintain solid connections with customs authorities and internal tax specialists.

Manage Third-Party Logistics Partners

• Manage connections with customs brokers, warehouse providers, and transport partners.
• Monitor contractual performance and service level agreements.
• Conduct regular reviews of critical metrics and performance with logistics service providers.
• Promote continual progress projects throughout outsourced operations.
• Ensure quality, safety and security standards are consistently achieved.

Inventory, Distribution & Order Management

• Ensure sufficient bonded and free circulation inventory to support commercial demand.
• Optimise inventory coverage, Days of Inventory (DOI) and Net Working Capital.
• Coordinate product movements between ports, bonded warehouses, distribution centres and commercial operations.
• Balance customer service requirements with cost optimisation.

Continuous Improvement

• Find opportunities to simplify processes, improve service levels and reduce logistics costs.
• Implement standard logistics and customs procedures.
• Leverage technology, reporting and analytics to improve operational performance.
• Work together with teams from both regional offices and international locations to exchange knowledge and promote operational excellence.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Support inbound logistics budgeting and forecasting.
• Monitor shipping, freight, demurrage and detention costs.
• Analyse logistics performance and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Produce regular operational and benchmark reporting.

What we are looking for

• A completed degree or National diploma in Supply Chain Management, International Logistics, Logistics Management, or a related field.
• Additional qualifications related to customs procedures, worldwide trade, or freight forwarding will be beneficial.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in inbound logistics, international logistics, customs clearing and forwarding, or import/export operations.
• Minimum 3 years' solid experience handling customs clearance and ensuring international trade conformity.
• Confirmed experience of SARS Customs legislation and bonded warehouse operations is critical
• Validated experience handling cross-border logistics and international freight movements.
• Experience collaborating with customs brokers, clearing and forwarding partners, and regulatory authorities.
• Demonstrated experience leading outsourced logistics providers (3PLs), including contract management, service delivery and important metric reviews.
• Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, or clearing and forwarding settings.
• Applicants must be based in Cape Town or willing to relocate to Cape Town

Technical skills

• Customs Clearance and trade compliance
• Management of import and export activities
• Freight forwarding
• Inventory management
• Bonded storage facility operations
• Logistics cost management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• PowerBI

Ideal backgrounds

We would particularly welcome applications from professionals currently working within:

• International logistics organisations
• Companies specializing in customs clearance and freight forwarding
• Freight forwarding providers
• Worldwide logistics service companies
• FMCG companies with extensive import and export activities
• Extensive knowledge in customs, global logistics, and outsourced supply chain management is the priority.

What will make you successful

You are someone who:

• Takes ownership of complex operational challenges.
• Can coordinate multiple collaborators while handling challenging priorities.
• Develops effective connections with both internal and external partners.
• Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on operationally.
• Is analytical, diligent and highly organised.
• Communicate confidently with regulators, logistics providers, and senior business collaborators.
• Constantly pursues opportunities to refine processes, service levels, and operational efficiency.

Why join us?

You’ll join a company where outstanding logistics directly chips in to commercial success. This role lets you shape important supply chain activities, collaborate with regional and global teams, guide key logistics partners, and promote ongoing improvements in a setting where your skills have a real daily effect.

PMI welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, religion or belief, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

We encourage applications from South African citizens who are members of designated groups and haveequivalent experience in PMI or a related field. Employment Equity laws and principles will be considered during the candidate selection process to promote diversity and the exchange of ideas.