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Customs and Transit Lead

BW Energy · Port-Gentil, Ogooue-Maritime, Gabon

Import / ExportLeadExternal listingfull-time23 days ago

About The Role

  • Responsibility and authority
  • Key tasks and responsibilities

Customs Compliance and Strategy

  • Define and maintain BWE Gabon's customs compliance framework in line with Gabonese customs law, the CEMAC Customs Code, and applicable international standards
  • Lead the selection and management of customs regimes (ATS/ATN, temporary admission, definitive importation) for all inbound and outbound flows
  • Monitor regulatory developments and proactively adapt BWE's customs processes and documentation standards

Project Customs Planning

  • Lead customs planning for capital and drilling projects
  • Coordinate pre-importation strategy with Procurement, Logistics, and Finance to optimise duty exposure and avoid delays
  • Manage the importation of long-lead items, specialised equipment, and bulk consumables in compliance with applicable regimes
  • Develop and present importation plans and regulatory roadmaps to management when required

Authority and Regulatory Relationships

  • Manage relationships with Gabonese regulatory bodies, freight forwarders and transit agents, ensuring performance, compliance, and cost efficiency

Documentation and Records Management

  • Maintain accurate, updated trackers of all shipments in transit, locally purchased goods, and imported materials
  • Oversee the archiving of customs files, declarations, and supporting documents in accordance with regulatory retention requirements

Audit, Legal and Risk Management

  • Lead BWE's response to customs audits, including preparation of documentation, coordination with Legal, and representation in proceedings
  • Manage customs litigation matters and ensure all required evidence and compliance records are available and properly maintained
  • Identify customs compliance risks and escalate to the Deputy Supply Chain Manager with proposed mitigations

Team Supervision and Development

  • Provide daily technical supervision and quality assurance over the work of the Transit & Customs Coordinator
  • Develop the team's competency in customs regulations, documentation standards, and IFS usage
  • Define and monitor team KPIs; report on performance and compliance to the Deputy Supply Chain Manager

Cross-functional Coordination

  • Coordinate with Procurement, Logistics, Warehouse, Finance, and Legal on all customs-related matters
  • Provide customs input to tender evaluations, contract negotiations, and supplier qualification processes where relevant
  • Ensure accurate and timely communication of customs status, delays, and risks to all relevant internal stakeholders

Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Customs Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in customs clearance, transit management and import/export operations, with at least 3 years in the Oil & Gas or extractive industry.
  • Proven experience managing customs regimes specific to Gabon or the CEMAC zone (ATS/ATN, temporary admission) – Prior experience with a freight forwarder or customs broker is a plus.
  • Track record of direct engagement with Gabonese customs authorities and regulatory bodies
  • Experience supervising or mentoring junior customs or logistics staff
  • Exposure to customs audit management and litigation support is strongly preferred

Interpersonal skills

  • Fluent in French; professional working level in English
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage confidently at authority level
  • High degree of autonomy and sound judgement in complex or time-sensitive situations
  • Rigorous attention to detail and strong organizational discipline
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced operational environment
  • Discretion and a strong sense of professional ethics

Technical Knowledge

  • In-depth knowledge of Gabonese customs law, the CEMAC Customs Code, and applicable international trade regulations
  • Sound understanding of customs valuation principles and contract registration requirements
  • Proficiency in ERP systems, preferably IFS, for shipment tracking, goods receipts, and documentation management
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (tracking, reporting, and data management)

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