Sea Freight Team Leader

About This Role

Sea Freight Team Leader is responsible for overall Sea Freight operations of the division. The role ensures full compliance with customs regulations, documentation, smooth coordination with internal & external stakeholders and efficient communication with overseas agents, authorities such as customs & port authorities.

• Oversee and manage the end‑to‑end customs clearance process for sea freight shipments
• Monitor clearance status and expedite shipments when needed
• Lead, guide, and support the customs documentation and operations team.
• Allocate daily tasks and ensure workload distribution for smooth operations.
• Liaise with overseas agents for schedules, bookings, documentation, customs authorities, port/airport operators, shipping lines, brokers, and internal departments.
• Coordinate with the operations, transport, and customer service teams to ensure fast cargo movement.
• Communicate regularly with clients and operations regarding clearance status and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with customs laws, FTA regulations and free zone procedures.
• Relationship building & participate trade lane discussions with the agents at key origins
• Managing B/L releases, Exchange BL’s, DO releases & payment processes to Port operators and shipping lines
• Tracker submissions to key customers & record-keeping and documentation filing for audits and compliance.
• Use customs systems (e.g., Mirsal II, Dubai Trade, E‑Cargo, Port Community Systems, Sharjah Seaports, and Customs) for all transactions.
• Monitor KPIs such as clearance time, accuracy, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Identify operational issues and implement process improvements to reduce delays and errors.
• Resolve escalation cases related to customs discrepancies or documentation issues
• Ensuring timely cost booking, payment processes to vendors/agents & billing to customers.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Free zone and customs processes and regulations
• Experience with HS code classification, incoterms, duty/tax structures.
• Proficiency in Mirsal II, Dubai Trade, and similar systems.
• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in SEA FREIGHT Operations
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and coordination skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle time sensitive shipments.
• Experienced in Carrier negotiations, Pricing & procurement, freight forwarding.
• Key Account management abilities.
• Should have experience in Trade lane & agent relationships.
• Team management abilities.
• Well versed with job management (billing, costing & etc.,).