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).