Customs and Transit Lead

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)