Shipping & Clearance Director

About the role

Azizi Group, a leading UAE real‑estate developer, is looking for an accomplished Shipping & Clearance Director to lead its shipping, customs clearance and logistics operations. The role involves developing and executing the company’s shipping strategy, managing international and local logistics across sea, air and land, and ensuring timely, cost‑effective delivery of materials and equipment for large‑scale projects.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Group’s shipping, customs clearance and logistics strategy.
• Lead international and local logistics operations across sea, air and land.
• Negotiate freight, shipping and transportation contracts to achieve cost savings.
• Monitor vessel schedules, ETAs and overall shipment visibility.
• Manage import and export activities in compliance with UAE customs regulations.
• Oversee customs clearance, port operations and government approvals.
• Minimize demurrage, detention and other logistics costs.
• Ensure accuracy of Bills of Lading, commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin.
• Coordinate with suppliers, procurement, finance, warehouse and project teams.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, management reports and operational dashboards.
• Lead and develop the Shipping, Logistics, Customs and Clearance teams.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration or related field; MBA or postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in shipping, logistics and supply‑chain operations in the UAE.
• At least 8 years in a senior management or leadership role, preferably with real‑estate developers or large construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping, UAE customs regulations, ports, freight forwarding and project logistics.
• Proven ability to negotiate freight contracts, optimise logistics costs and avoid demurrage.
• Experience with SAP, Oracle or similar ERP systems.
• Fluency in English and excellent communication and reporting skills.

Required skills

• Shipping customs clearance
• Freight contract negotiation
• Letters of Credit
• Transportation
• Customs procedures
• ERP systems
• Freight forwarding
• Cargo insurance
• Warehousing
• Logistics operations
• Import/export documentation
• UAE customs regulations
• Project logistics
• Incoterms
• SAP
• Oracle