Bonded Zone Operations Lead Specialist

Role overview

This position is responsible for guiding operational activities with limited supervision and for driving long-term objectives within the approved framework. The role focuses on improving existing policies, procedures, standards, and reporting, while overseeing customs clearing operations, resolving complex clearing cases, negotiating settlements between GCC countries, and analysing financial data to recommend practical solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Examine Gulf Cooperation agreements, identify any changes, and refresh customs clearing procedures according to goods type and applicable tariffs to protect Saudi Arabia’s economic interests.
• Prepare and maintain lists of importers, exporters, individual traders, and other beneficiaries of preferential customs duties under GCC arrangements for goods destined to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Assess eligible cases by reviewing waiver percentages, invoices, goods details, customer history, and related records, then process settlements in line with rules, policies, and regulations.
• Handle correspondence with Amanah and GCC countries through the appropriate channels for technical support, unresolved clearing amounts, and clarification requests, and develop informed recommendations.
• Carry out transfer transactions with the relevant countries, monitor account movements such as debits and credits, and reconcile balances so system records remain accurate.
• Audit customs duty activity in import and export declarations to identify non-compliance issues and escalate matters for decision-making.
• Keep clearing-operation systems and databases updated so information is securely stored and easy for internal stakeholders to access and use.
• Prepare reports and statistical summaries on customs clearing operations, including transaction types, segments, and volumes by country, to identify trends and support negotiation planning.
• Liaise with ZATCA internal teams to provide support and information related to traders’ sectors covered by GCC agreements.
• Work in accordance with all relevant policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to ensure controlled and consistent execution.
• Assist in resolving escalated issues and support junior team members to maintain smooth and efficient work delivery.
• Refer complex cases to the appropriate authority to ensure proper closure and resolution.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.
• Train junior employees on job-related activities when required to transfer knowledge effectively.
• Give clear instructions, set priorities, allocate tasks, delegate responsibilities, and monitor workflow for subordinates or junior staff.
• Support junior staff or direct reports so they can perform their duties in line with established policies and processes.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or an equivalent qualification, is required. A master’s degree in Business Administration, or an equivalent qualification, is preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Competencies

• Coordination and follow-up: Proficient
• Collaboration and communication: Developing
• Professionalism: Proficient
• Customer relationship management: Advanced
• Customs services management: Advanced
• Complaints management: Proficient
• Results orientation: Proficient
• Quality management: Developing
• Customer focus: Proficient
• Change and innovation enablement: Developing