Customs Manager – Africa & Middle East

About the role

The Customs Manager will lead and coordinate customs and trade compliance activities across the Africa and Middle East (AME) region for Guardian Industries. You will ensure efficient, cost‑effective import and export operations while minimizing customs risks, delays and penalties.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all applicable customs, import, export and international trade regulations across the AME region.
• Lead, coach and allocate tasks for the customs team, managing performance and professional development.
• Oversee customs clearance activities, acting as the escalation point for delays, inspections, disputes and complex matters.
• Maintain accuracy of customs declarations, tariff classifications, valuations, country of origin and supporting documentation.
• Monitor regulatory changes and translate them into practical procedures and controls.
• Develop and maintain regional customs policies, SOPs and compliance controls.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, consultants and customs authorities, monitoring service‑provider performance.
• Identify opportunities to optimise duties and costs through free‑trade agreements, duty exemptions and other customs regimes.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• Strong experience in customs, international trade, import/export operations or trade compliance, preferably in a senior regional role.
• In‑depth knowledge of tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin and free‑trade agreements.
• Proven ability to work with customs authorities, brokers and logistics service providers.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English; Arabic is a plus.

Required skills

• Experience with SAP.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• Use of customs compliance tools.