Clearing & Forwarding Manager

Job Summary: Our client, a trusted and long-established clearing and forwarding company with over 30 years of industry expertise, is seeking a highly organized and results-driven Clearing & Forwarding Manager to oversee and manage the end-to-end operations of import and export shipments. The ideal candidate will ensure timely clearance and delivery of cargo, maintain strong relationships with customs and regulatory authorities, and lead a team to uphold operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This role requires in-depth knowledge of customs procedures, documentation, and compliance regulations, as well as strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to support the company’s continued excellence in logistics services. Responsibilities: Oversee and manage the entire clearing process for both import and export shipments, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulations and deadlines. Maintain expert-level knowledge of customs processes and government systems, including proficiency in TANCIS. Lead, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the clearing team—including import/export clerks, yard staff, and port operators—to ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery. Supervise daily cargo handling activities such as offloading, loading, de-stuffing, re-stuffing, and coordination of onward transportation. Build and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders such as transporters, shipping lines, and port authorities to ensure seamless operations. Monitor departmental costs, including third-party services, staff expenditures, and overheads, identifying inefficiencies and recommending cost-saving initiatives. Maintain clear and continuous communication with the Head of Operations and General Manager to provide updates, flag operational issues, and propose process improvements. Actively troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in real-time through direct communication with counterparties via phone, WhatsApp, and email. Requirements Minimum 5 years’ experience in import/export clearing and forwarding within Bachelor’s degree in logistics, business, finance, or related field; a formal qualification in customs or logistics is an advantage. Strong leadership and team management experience. Excellent communication skills in English and Kiswahili; knowledge of Hindi or Gujarati is an added advantage. Familiarity with ERP systems and MS Office (especially Excel and Outlook). Detail-oriented, analytical, and entrepreneurial mindset. Proactive and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment