Job Title: Customs Clearing Manager
Location: Ndola, Zambia
Department: Operations / Customs
Reports to: Operations Manager (National)
Supervises: Customs Supervisors, Declarants, and Risk & Compliance Officers
Position Overview
The Customs Clearing Manager will oversee and coordinate all customs clearing activities for ConnexAfrica Zambia Limited at the Ndola office. The role ensures full compliance with ZRA regulations, efficient clearance processes (RIT, RIB, EX-BOND, IMPORT, EXPORT), and the management of operational staff handling entries, queries, and client communication.
This position is critical in maintaining high levels of service delivery, compliance, and accountability across all clearance operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Customs Operations Management
- Oversee daily customs clearance operations across all regimes: RIT, RIB, Import, Export, Ex-Bond, and Warehousing.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of entries in ASYCUDA World and other customs systems.
- Monitor declarant activity and ensure entries meet compliance and turnaround KPIs.
- Coordinate with ZRA officials and ensure professional representation of ConnexAfrica.
- Resolve customs queries, suspensions, or system downtimes by proactive engagement with ZRA stations.
2. Team Leadership & Supervision
- Supervise and support clearing supervisors and their teams.
- Conduct daily briefings and workload allocation.
- Mentor and train staff on customs procedures, risk controls, and client service standards.
- Manage performance through KPIs, feedback sessions, and disciplinary action where required.
3. Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure full adherence to ZRA, TRA, and DRC Customs requirements for all transits.
- Oversee bond utilization, acquittals, and reconciliation with the Risk & Compliance team.
- Prevent penalties or suspensions through timely response to queries and proactive compliance.
- Liaise with the Risk Team to ensure accurate reporting on RIT/RIB timelines and expired entries.
4. Client Coordination
- Serve as the primary point of contact for key customs clients in the Ndola region.
- Provide regular updates to clients and internal stakeholders on clearance progress.
- Manage escalations professionally and ensure prompt issue resolution.
- Support commercial team with accurate cost estimates and customs advisory.
5. Systems & Process Efficiency
- Oversee data accuracy and proper documentation on the company’s internal system.
- Support continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives (e.g., pre-alerts, dashboards).
- Recommend and implement process improvements to reduce turnaround times and errors.
6. Reporting & Administration
- Submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports on clearance performance and bond usage.
- Maintain proper filing and archiving of all customs documents.
- Coordinate with Finance for invoicing, reconciliations, and client billing queries.
Qualifications & Experience
- Diploma or Degree in Customs Clearing, Logistics, or Business Administration.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in customs clearing operations, with 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Strong understanding of ZRA ASYCUDA World, customs procedures, and transit documentation.
- Proven experience managing a team of declarants and interacting with ZRA.
- Familiarity with bond management, RIT/RIB acquittals, and risk compliance requirements.
Core Competencies
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- High integrity and attention to detail.
- Client service orientation and ability to work under pressure.
- Proficiency in MS Office and customs software platforms.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Daily clearance turnaround time.
- Zero missed or expired RIT/RIB entries.
- Reduction in ZRA penalties and suspensions.
- Team performance and productivity.
- Client satisfaction and feedback.
- Accuracy and timeliness of customs reporting.
