SENIOR LOGISTICS OFFICER (CLEARING AND FORWARDING)

Job Description

The Senior Logistics Officer (Clearing and Forwarding) will be responsible for managing the seamless movement of goods across borders, ensuring that all imports and exports (including vehicle components, machinery, and raw materials) are cleared through customs efficiently and cost-effectively. The role involves overseeing the entire logistics chain from ports of entry to destination sites, managing Factory Bonded Warehouse Operations, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance. The officer plays a critical role in optimizing transport routes, supervising safe cargo handling, and managing vendor performance to minimize lead times and operational costs.

Key Responsibilities

• International Shipment Management:Review and verify the completeness, accuracy and consistency of all import/export documentation (Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Permits, Insurance, Bills of Lading, T1 documents). Ensure cargo is properly prepared for shipment, including compliant packaging, marking, and labelling in line with contractual terms, regulatory requirements, and mode of transport. Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders, and origin agents to resolve documentation or shipment discrepancies. Verify that the supplier has fully complied with all export regulations in the country of origin, including valid export declarations, licenses, permits, and statutory certificates. Apply correct HS Code classification for customs purposes.
• Port Clearance:Coordinate port terminal handling activities, including cargo discharge, container stripping or stuffing, and internal container movements, in line with the delivery points. Prepare and process all necessary customs entries, specifically IM4 and IM7 declarations, ensuring timely and accurate submission. Facilitate release of Bills of Lading and shipping line documentation in line with delivery obligations. Coordinate customs physical verification, scanning, and inspection processes, ensuring that statutory requirements are met in accordance with national customs laws. Maintain records of clearance status, costs, and compliance outcomes for audit purposes.
• Internal Container Depot and Third-Party Bonded Warehouse Management:Coordinate cargo verification, customs examination, and inspection activities at ICDs, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and clearance requirements. Ensure timely release of containers and coordinate onward transfer to the final delivery location in accordance with agreed delivery points and logistics schedules. Liaise with ICD operators, customs officials, and agents to minimize demurrage and detention costs.
• Shipment Tracking & Transport Logistics Management:Track and monitor cargo movements from original ports through transit points, inland container depots (ICDs), and up to factory or final delivery locations, in accordance with the delivery scope. Supervise and coordinate inland transportation of both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo. Manage and verify transport and transit documentation, including delivery notes, gate passes, waybills, transit bonds, and proof of delivery, to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance at transit and destination stages.
• Kiira Factory Bonded Warehouse Management:Manage receipt of bonded cargo at factory premises, verifying customs entries and delivery records. Facilitate bond releases aligned with production schedules and customs procedures. Ensure compliance with customs laws, licensing conditions, and audit requirements.
• Relations Management:Coordinate with clearing and forwarding agents, port authorities, and terminal operators to ensure efficient cargo handling, physical verification, and the timely release of Bills of Lading. Maintain active engagement with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure regulatory compliance and smooth clearance processes. Prepare, maintain, and regularly update the custom exemption list for all Parts & Materials in close coordination with the Procurement and Disposal Unit to maximize tax efficiency.
• Reporting, Analytics, Risk Management and other Advisory:Prepare periodic operational and performance reports highlighting delivery status, emerging risks, cost variances, and recommended improvement actions. Advise management on regulatory changes, compliance risks, and cost optimization opportunities. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of engagements, shipment movements, and clearance documentation. Identify operational risks across customs, transport, warehousing, and site logistics, and implement effective corrective and preventive measures.
• QHSE Compliance in Logistics and Cargo Handling:Ensure that all clearing and forwarding activities adhere to the Corporation’s QHSE management systems and international safety standards for transit. Supervise the safe handling, loading, and offloading of hazardous materials including high-voltage batteries, chemicals, and pressurized components ensuring the availability of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and appropriate spill kits. Verify that all third-party transporters and logistics vendors comply with road safety regulations and vehicle emissions standards. Coordinate the proper disposal or return of damaged transit packaging and hazardous shipping waste in accordance with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines

Qualifications and Experience

• Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Procurement, International Trade, or a related field from a Recognized Academic Institution.
  • Master’s Degree in Logistics, International Trade or Equivalent from a Recognized Academic Institution is an Added Advantage.
• Experience:Applicant should have at least Five (5) Years Experience in clearing and forwarding, preferably within Manufacturing or Mobility Industry with proven experience managing bonded warehouses and using the Asycuda World System.
• Continuous Professional Development:Certificate in Clearing and Forwarding (East African Customs Clearing and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate – EACFFPC or Equivalent).
• Professional Membership:Full Membership to the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics (CILT), or Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and in Good Standing.

Skills and Competencies

• Mastery of Incoterms 2020, HS Code classification, and Duty calculation formulas.
• Proficiency in Logistics Management Software, ERP systems and Excel for tracking.
• Understanding safety protocols for handling heavy and sensitive industrial components.
• Consistently ensures adherence to customs laws, safety standards, and international trade regulations.
• Effective engagement with suppliers, freight forwarders, customs officials, and regulatory agencies to achieve smooth logistics operations.
• Dangerous Goods Handling: Proficiency in the IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) code and IATA regulations for the transport of lithium-ion batteries and hazardous industrial chemicals.
• Logistics Risk Assessment: Ability to identify and mitigate safety risks during container stripping, stuffing, and heavy-lift operations.
• Environmental Stewardship: Knowledge of green logistics practices to reduce carbon footprints in the supply chain and ensure compliant industrial waste management during the clearing process.