Customs Supervisor

This person will be responsible for ensuring the timely customs clearance of shipments (air and ocean) and the safe delivery of cargo to the Distribution Centre in accordance with relevant legislation, company policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures

Reports To:                                 Import Manager

Liaises/Collaborates with:         Jamaica Custom Agency, Customs Brokers, Shipping Lines, Port Authority, Merchandize Department, Finance Department, Operations Department, Haulage Contractors, Suppliers and Warehouse Manager

Supervision given to:                 Logistics Assistants, Customs Clerks          

Purpose:   Ensure the timely customs clearance of shipments (air and ocean) and delivery of cargo safely to Distribution Centre in accordance with legislation, company’s policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Shipment and Cost Monitoring

• Oversees import/export shipments including customs clearance and documentation (customs declarations, invoices, shipping documents, etc).
• Tracks and traces shipments and retrieve shipping documentation from various parties prior to shipments arrival, to ensure timely clearance of goods to mitigate detention and demurrage expenses.
• Ensure coordination with the Port Authority, Shipping Agents, Custom Brokers (if required), Haulage Companies, Merchandizing and Finance Departments to effect clearance, delivery and return of containers.
• Manage contractors, suppliers and relevant institutions payments within stipulated timeframes to ensure the timely clearance of goods.
• Ensures auditing of detention and demurrage charges and take action if reimbursement is required, to manage costs.
• Ensures the accuracy of all invoices, packing list and other shipping documents.

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations (Trade Board, Jamaica Customs Agency, etc) and government programs such as the Advance Economic Operator (AEO).
• Ensure the correct classification on goods according to customs codes, determining duty rates and ensuring appropriate licenses and permits are obtained.
• Maintains and updates the import/export database.
• Ensures compliance with the company’s policies and procedures.

People and Relationship Management

• Supervises a team to include organizing schedules, assigning tasks and ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Liaises with Government Agencies, Customs Authorities, freight forwarders and other Stakeholders to resolve any issues.
• Coordinates with shipping and logistics teams to ensure timely and efficient transportation of goods.

Document and Reporting

• Maintains records for accounting purposes, to include invoices, bill of ladings, customs declarations.
• Prepares and submit reports to include audited local inland freight charges, monthly detention and demurrage charges.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Customs, Freight Forwarding and Immigration, Logistics, Management or a related field.
• Custom Brokage License.
• Working knowledge of various Ports, Customs, Excise and relevant agencies requirements.
• Working Knowledge of Shipping Agencies, Insurance and other Legal Requirements including International Maritime Law.
• Experience in using the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) and other Customs/Shipping Tools.
• Full Knowledge of Jamaica Custom Tariff
• Reliable vehicle.

 REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

• Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong negotiating skill
• Strong networking skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Capable of clearly communicating with others both orally and in writing
• Superb organizational multitasking and time-management abilities
• Familiarity with financial principles
• Proficient in MS Office and other reporting tools

DESIRABLE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Systematic
• Self-motivated
• Goal-oriented
• Innovative
• Able to cope well under pressure
• Persistent and committed
• Ability to work long hours.

THIS REPRESENTS A BROAD OUTLINE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND CANNOT LIST IN DETAIL ALL OF THE TASKS THE JOBHOLDER WILL BE EXPECTED TO UNDERTAKE.