Sea I&e Supervisor

About the Role

• We are looking for an experienced and proactive SEA I&E Supervisor to oversee sea import and export clearance operations, port coordination, container movement, and customs clearance activities.
• The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with port customs clearance, clearing and forwarding operations, container management, and coordination with relevant port and government authorities. The role requires someone who can manage clearance timelines, resolve port-related challenges, coordinate transport, and ensure shipments are cleared and delivered safely and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage daily port customs clearance plans based on shipment priorities, FIFO principles, free storage periods, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate with customs clearing agents to ensure timely clearance and release of shipments.
• Forecast daily clearance capacity requirements and arrange appropriate transport capacity in line with clearance volumes.
• Coordinate vehicle and container information and follow up on in-transit transportation, safe delivery, and unloading.
• Monitor the clearance progress of each shipment, including pre-clearance, customs processing, inspection, and release.
• Coordinate with clearing agents to resolve customs inspection issues, delays, and other clearance abnormalities.
• Follow up on container transfers between the port and storage yards and resolve delays where required.
• Monitor containers for damage, leakage, breakage, water damage, seal issues, or other abnormalities during inspection, loading, and departure.
• Coordinate documentation, photography/video evidence, claims, investigations, and insurance inspections where necessary.
• Monitor port-dwelling containers and CFS cargo to minimize detention, storage, and other avoidable costs.
• Coordinate clearance and transportation arrangements for project cargo, special containers, and bulk cargo.
• Liaise with the office and warehouse teams to arrange equipment such as cranes and special vehicles in advance.
• Supervise loading activities and ensure cargo is properly secured for safe transportation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with port stakeholders and stay updated on changes in customs and port regulations.
• Respond to internal queries regarding customs clearance plans, shipment status, and clearance progress.
• Prepare daily clearance reports covering planned, cleared, pending, and delayed shipments, including reasons for delays and corrective actions.
• Prepare weekly customs clearance performance reports and evaluate clearing agents based on clearance timelines, problem-solving ability, transport capacity, and service quality.
• Identify opportunities to improve clearance efficiency, reduce delays, and optimize logistics costs.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in customs clearance, port operations, import/export, freight forwarding, or logistics.
• Experience in a clearing & forwarding company is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience in sea freight, port customs clearance, container management, and cargo release processes.
• Strong understanding of customs and clearance procedures, import/export regulations, and relevant Kenyan laws.
• Experience coordinating and managing clearing agents and transport service providers.
• Experience in team coordination or supervision.
• Good understanding of port operations and shipment documentation.
• Experience handling customs inspections, cargo abnormalities, delays, and clearance-related disputes.
• Good knowledge of relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies, including KRA, KEBS, Port/Shipping stakeholders, and other relevant government agencies.
• Strong negotiation, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple shipments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Preferred Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Proactive in identifying and resolving clearance delays.
• Strong in negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Comfortable working directly with port and customs stakeholders.
• Able to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities.
• Data-driven and capable of preparing and analyzing clearance performance reports.
• Familiar with the fast-paced nature of port and clearing & forwarding operations.

Experience From the Following Backgrounds Is Highly Preferred

Clearing & Forwarding Companies | Freight Forwarding | Port Operations | Shipping & Logistics | Manufacturing | Import & Export Operations