Customs & Operations Specialist
Priority Worldwide · Dubai, UAE ·
- Category
- Operations
About Priority Worldwide
Priority Worldwide is a leading global freight forwarder headquartered in the USA, with offices and operations around the world. Our philosophy is centered on delivering the ULTIMATE Customer Experience (UCE) through teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
We are looking for an experienced Customs & Operations Specialist to join our Dubai team and play an important role in managing our day-to-day freight forwarding and customs operations.
This is a hands-on freight forwarding position combining air and ocean import/export operations with UAE Customs responsibilities. The ideal candidate is an experienced freight forwarding professional who understands the complete shipment lifecycle and is comfortable managing both the operational and customs sides of the business.
The Opportunity
In this role, you will manage air and ocean shipments from booking and documentation through customs clearance, delivery, and final file completion. You will work closely with customers, overseas agents, airlines, steamship lines, co-loaders, transport providers, warehouses, terminals, and UAE Customs authorities to keep shipments moving efficiently.
This is not a customs-only position. Strong freight forwarding operations experience is essential. The successful candidate will be comfortable taking ownership of shipments while also managing the customs clearance process.
You will also have the opportunity to work with customers, overseas agents, carriers, and Priority Worldwide offices across our international network, gaining broad exposure to global freight forwarding operations.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on freight forwarding experience in the UAE is required.
- Strong air and ocean import and export operations experience.
- UAE Customs clearance experience is required, including working knowledge of Mirsal II / Dubai Trade.
- Strong hands-on CargoWise experience is required.
- Strong knowledge of international freight forwarding processes, documentation, and shipment lifecycle management.
- Experience coordinating with airlines, steamship lines, overseas agents, transport providers, Customs authorities, customers, and vendors.
- Experience with freight rates, quotations, shipment tracking, and customer support is preferred.
- Ability to independently identify and resolve operational and customs issues.
- Excellent English communication skills, strong organization, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to customer service.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operation.
- Dangerous Goods and perishable shipment experience is highly preferred.
- On-Site Position: This is a fully on-site position based in our Dubai office. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role. The successful candidate must be available to work on-site during regular business hours.
Job Duties
Freight Forwarding Operations
- Manage assigned air and ocean import and export shipments from receipt of shipping instructions through final delivery and completion of the shipment file.
- Coordinate bookings with airlines, steamship lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, and other service providers.
- Receive, review, and process import/export documentation to ensure shipments are properly prepared and compliant with applicable requirements.
- Create, update, and maintain accurate shipment records, documentation, milestones, and operational information in CargoWise.
- Monitor and proactively track shipments, identifying potential delays or issues and taking appropriate action to keep cargo moving.
- Coordinate cargo movement and delivery with customers, consignees, shippers, transport providers, carriers, agents, and suppliers.
- Obtain and negotiate air and ocean freight rates with carriers, co-loaders, and other service providers.
- Prepare customer quotations and assist with inside sales and other customer requests.
- Communicate proactively with customers and overseas agents regarding shipment status, documentation, delays, exceptions, and delivery arrangements.
- Work with airlines, steamship lines, trucking providers, warehouses, terminals, and other vendors to coordinate the movement and delivery of freight.
- Resolve day-to-day operational issues and exceptions independently and escalate issues when appropriate.
- Ensure shipment files are complete, accurate, and properly documented in accordance with company procedures and quality requirements.
- Handle Dangerous Goods and perishable shipments in accordance with applicable requirements and company procedures.
UAE Customs Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate UAE Customs clearance for assigned import and export shipments.
- Prepare, review, and process customs documentation and declarations.
- Utilize Mirsal II / Dubai Trade and applicable UAE Customs systems and procedures.
- Coordinate with Customs and other government authorities regarding cargo releases, inspections, examinations, and required documentation.
- Review shipment documentation for accuracy and identify potential customs issues before they delay cargo.
- Coordinate the release of cargo from airlines, steamship lines, ports, terminals, and other facilities following customs clearance.
- Stay current with applicable UAE Customs requirements and communicate changes that may impact shipments or customers.
- Work with customers, overseas agents, carriers, and internal teams to resolve customs-related issues and ensure timely cargo release.
Customer Service & Team Responsibilities
- Provide a high level of customer service and maintain Priority Worldwide's commitment to the ULTIMATE Customer Experience.
- Provide timely and accurate updates to customers and internal teams throughout the shipment lifecycle.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers, agents, carriers, vendors, and coworkers.
- Communicate clearly and professionally, particularly when addressing shipment delays, customs issues, or other service exceptions.
- Work collaboratively with the Dubai team and other Priority Worldwide offices to ensure shipments are handled efficiently and customers receive consistent service.
- Support other operational and customer service activities as needed to ensure the overall success of the Dubai office.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: AED 8,000–12,000 per month, with compensation determined by relevant freight forwarding experience, UAE Customs knowledge, CargoWise proficiency, operational skills, qualifications, and overall experience.
- Health Coverage: Medical insurance provided for the employee.
- Annual Leave: Paid annual leave in accordance with UAE labor law.
- Annual Airfare Allowance: Annual airline ticket allowance provided to the employee.
- Visa & Work Permit: Employment visa and work permit sponsorship provided by Priority Worldwide for the employee.
- Professional Growth: Opportunity to expand your experience across international air, ocean, and road transportation, UAE Customs procedures, cargo operations, customer service, and global freight forwarding.