Feb 07, 2025

Customs Operations Manager

Full-Time Finance Manager Management Shipping Tax Specialist Other

Job / Advertisement Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Customs Operations Manager supervises and leads a team of two Customs Operations Specialist and Agent, ensuring seamless daily customs operations, and facilitating compliance with local and international regulations. This position is responsible for implementing efficient customs clearance procedures, collaborating with Customs Authorities and relevant agencies, and providing expert guidance to the team on customs procedures, classification, and tariff codes. The Customs Operations Manager also plays a crucial role in staying updated on changing customs regulations and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the team. Additionally, they act as a liaison between customs operations and various stakeholders, ensuring timely payment of duties and fees while aligning customs operations with overall financial objectives. This dynamic role is essential in maintaining a high standard of efficiency and compliance in import and export transactions while promoting a culture of excellence and teamwork within the team.

All duties and responsibilities are performed following Royal Caribbean International’s Brand Standards, the Royal Way philosophy, Company policies, and SOPs, Public Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental Guidelines.

This Job Description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties performed by the Team Member occupying this position. All Team Members may be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their Supervisor or Management. The nature of this job requires daily interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises and leads a team of Customs Operations Specialists and Customs Operations Agents. Coordinates daily schedules to ensure full time coverage and communication with Perfect Day at CocoCay, Customs Authorities, and Ships. Manages work schedules to meet the needs of the operation, efficiently handling additional workload requirements, and keeping records of hours worked.

• Supervises and coordinates daily customs operations, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations.

• Develops, implements, and reviews customs clearance procedures, optimizing efficiency and accuracy. Maintains procedures and working instructions relevant to import and export processes.

• Collaborates with Customs Authorities and other relevant agencies to facilitate smooth import and export operations.

• Provides guidance and training to the team on customs procedures, classification, and tariff codes. 

• Monitors and reviews customs documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Handles complex customs issues and resolve discrepancies in customs declarations.

• Stays updated on changes in customs regulations and keeps the team informed to adapt procedures accordingly.

• Assists in the preparation and submission of customs reports, including duty and tax calculations.

• Supports the Finance Manager in planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation of the customs operation.

• Provides strong leadership and mentorship to the customs operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Effectively communicates customs-related updates and changes to the Perfect Day at CocoCay and Shoreside Leadership, ensuring alignment with financial goals and strategies.

• Acts as a liaison between customs operations and both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Shoreside Leadership, facilitating the flow of information and ensuring financial compliance.

• Coordinates with the Shoreside Leadership to optimize cash flow management and timely payment of customs duties, taxes, and fees.

• Participates in cross-functional meetings and initiatives with the Corporate Finance Team to align customs operations with the overall financial objectives of the organization.

• Ensures full compliance and timely clearance for import transactions, including issuing clearance instructions, monitoring, record keeping, and auditing.

• Ensures full compliance for export transactions, reviewing export documentation, executing export license determinations, issuing shipper's letter of instruction, filing electronic export information, and maintaining record retention.

• Creates Customs Duties Expense Report, Landing Goods Report, and input ship arrival reports with Customs Operations Team.  

• Submits the C19 Form (Expedite Declaration into Click2Clear) and verify the accuracy of submitted C19 Forms from incoming ships with Customs Operations Team.

• Submits Agriculture Permits through the Bahamas Government online services, MyGateway, with Customs Operations Team.  

• Coordinates the clearance of operations on ship call days and the clearance of packages by air or sea with Customs Operations Team.

• Processes all import and export documentation accurately and on time with Customs Operations Team.

• Submits invoices for payment promptly with Customs Operations Team.

• Generate various reports and maintain departmental logs with Customs Operations Team.

• Coordinates transportation and storage of goods with Customs Operations Team.

• Interfaces with external Customs Agents, Brokers, Port Agents, Suppliers, and Service Providers to ensure consistency with defined import and export processes.

• Participates in training and meetings and adhering to a company confidentiality agreement.

• Follows grooming standards and ensures the team follows these standards when representing the company.

• Acknowledges and greets guests, visitors, and team members in public spaces with a warm, friendly greeting.

• Maintains clear and concise handover notes to eliminate miscommunications that compromise process efficiency.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with the Shoreside Team to develop and manage customs budgets, monitor expenses, and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Ensures timely communication with internal and external stakeholders on import and export to avoid penalty fees.

• Analyzes and manages various reconciliation invoices and reports.

• Create declaration on behalf of a destination. Handles the payment of all relevant taxes and fees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A High Education Diploma is required. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a customs broker of the resident country.

• Must have a valid broker’s license and a broker’s bond to operate. 

• Knowledge of customs brokerage policies and regulations of the resident country.

• Strong administrative skills and working knowledge in Internet and MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Ability to plan projects, assign priorities, resolve problems, and work without supervision.

• Ability to work positively and cooperatively in a diverse international Team environment.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills to be able to work with different level of Team Members.

• Ability to maintain focus, work with strict deadlines, multitask and be flexible and adaptable. 

Location

THE BAHAMAS