Trade Compliance Duty Manager

The Duty and Compliance Manager will oversee all activities related to customs duty management, including duty exemption programs, import/export control, and customs compliance. This role ensures that goods are moved in and out of the Kingdom in compliance with local and international regulations while maximizing cost efficiency through effective duty exemption strategies. The Duty and Compliance Manager will lead a team responsible for managing compliance activities with various local regulators, ensuring accurate documentation, liaising with government authorities, and safeguarding the organization from compliance risks. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in trade compliance, and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities

Duty Exemption Management  

• Lead and manage the company’s customs duty exemption programs, ensuring eligibility, approvals, and renewals are maintained.
• Oversee submission and follow-up of duty exemption requests with governmental entities. Monitor compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations and ensure accurate reporting for duty-exempt transactions.
• Identify opportunities to optimize costs through proper duty exemption utilization.

Import & Export Control  

• Oversee import/export compliance operations, including HS classification, valuation, and licensing requirements.
• Manage and monitor import/export licenses, permits, and special authorizations.
• Ensure accurate documentation for customs clearance (invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.).
• Implement and enforce internal controls for import/export processes to mitigate regulatory risks.
• Conduct restricted party screenings and end-use/end-user checks for controlled exports.

Governance & Compliance  

• Ensure 100% compliance with Saudi Customs, GAZT/ZATCA, SFDA, SASO, and international trade regulations.
• Develop, implement, and update policies and procedures related to duty exemption and trade compliance.
• Conduct periodic internal audits and prepare for external government audits.
• Investigate and report suspected violations of customs or trade regulations, ensuring corrective actions.
• Maintain centralized recordkeeping for all import/export and duty exemption activities.

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Lead, train, and supervise the Duty Compliance team.
• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, finance, and legal teams to ensure compliance and efficiency.
• Build and maintain relationships with customs authorities, free zone authorities, and service providers.
• Provide training and awareness sessions to employees on customs duty exemption and import/export controls.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of Saudi Customs procedures, GCC customs laws, and international trade regulations.
• Expertise in duty exemption policies and their application to industrial/manufacturing projects.
• Advanced knowledge of import/export control, including HS classification, valuation, and free trade agreements.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong stakeholder management with government authorities and third-party providers.
• Proficiency in MS Office, ERP systems (SAP/Oracle preferred), and trade compliance tools

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, International Business, Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering or Law.
• 7–10 years of experience in customs and trade compliance, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Hands-on experience in Saudi Customs’ FASAH platform and ZATCA systems.
• Knowledge of SASO/SABER and SFDA conformity programs preferred.
• Professional certifications in trade compliance are a strong plus.