Regional Trade Compliance & Logistics Governance Manager

The Regional Trade Compliance & Logistics Governance Manager is responsible for establishing and managing a robust trade compliance and logistics governance framework across the Middle East and Africa region.

The role ensures compliance with customs regulations, import/export requirements, sanctions controls, inventory movements, and logistics processes while providing oversight of customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers. This position serves as FFME's subject matter expert for customs, trade compliance, and logistics governance.

Core Responsibilities

Customs Compliance Management

• Own FFME's customs compliance framework.
• Ensure import and export declarations are compliant with UAE and local country regulations.
• Review HS code classifications, customs valuation methodologies, and country of origin determinations.
• Establish and maintain customs SOPs.
• Coordinate customs audits and investigations.
• Manage relationships with customs authorities when required.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting FFME operations.

Trade Compliance & Export Control

• Develop and implement Trade Compliance Programs.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Export Control Regulations
  • Sanctions Requirements
  • Restricted Party Screening
  • Technology Transfer Controls
  • Embargo Restrictions
• Conduct compliance reviews before sensitive exports.
• Support Legal and Compliance teams on trade-related matters.
• Lead employee training on trade compliance requirements.

Customs Broker Governance

• Manage and supervise customs brokers.
• Establish broker performance KPIs.
• Conduct periodic broker audits.
• Review customs declarations submitted by brokers.
• Ensure proper record retention and documentation.
• Negotiate and manage broker service agreements.

Inventory & Customs Reconciliation

• Establish customs-to-inventory reconciliation processes.
• Ensure alignment between ERP records, warehouse records, and customs declarations.
• Investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Improve transaction traceability across the supply chain.
• Establish monthly and quarterly reconciliation controls.

Logistics Governance

• Define logistics governance standards across FFME.
• Manage logistics service providers and freight forwarders.
• Establish transportation compliance requirements.
• Monitor logistics KPIs including:
  • On-Time Delivery
  • Customs Clearance Lead Time
  • Freight Cost Efficiency
  • Inventory Accuracy
  • Customs Compliance Rate
• Ensure logistics activities comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

6. Process Improvement & Digitalization

• Design and implement logistics control processes within Microsoft Dynamics 365 and related systems.
• Partner with IT and business teams on automation initiatives.
• Improve visibility and monitoring of:
  • Inventory movement
  • Customs entries
  • Shipment status
  • Broker performance
• Develop dashboards and compliance reporting tools.

7. Risk Management & Governance

• Conduct periodic Trade Compliance Health Checks.
• Identify operational, financial, customs, and regulatory risks.
• Develop mitigation plans.
• Support Internal Audit, External Audit, and Compliance reviews.
• Establish governance mechanisms to prevent recurrence of compliance issues.

Competency Requirements

Technical Competencies

• Customs Regulations
• Import / Export Operations
• Trade Compliance
•  Export Controls
•  Sanctions Management
•  Inventory Controls
•  Logistics Governance
•  Broker Management
•  Internal Controls
•  Risk Management

Behavioral Competencies

• Stakeholder Management
• Vendor Management
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Strategic Thinking

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, International Trade or related field
• 8-15 Years of experience in International logistics, customs Clearance, Trade Compliance, Import & Export operations & Supply Chain Governance
• Strong understanding of GCC/Middle East business environments.
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