Cargo Operations Agent

Priority Worldwide is seeking a long-term, reliable Cargo Operations Agent who will serve as an operations leader responsible for maintaining strong relationships with international freight forwarding vendors and regulatory agencies. Attention to detail and a willingness to learn are essential qualities, along with the ability to accommodate diverse cultures and work effectively with individuals who may have limited English-speaking skills. If you have a passion for meticulous management and coordination, ensuring compliance with standards, and orchestrating efficient logistics operations across ports, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us at Priority. Join our team and make a significant impact in the dynamic field of clearance management.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• A Diploma in Clearing and Forwarding or (Kenya Shipowners and Seafarers Association) KESRA Diploma is preferred
• Experience of 3 years working in freight forwarding industry specifically Declaration and field operations.
• Experience handling custom Tariffs, Regulated and non-regulated items by various government offices
• Valid Motor bike license
• Strong knowledge of customs laws and regulations in Kenya, including the East African Community Customs Union regulations.
• Proficiency in customs clearance systems

What you will do…

Join Priority where you'll be pivotal in ensuring timely, efficient, and cost-effective international freight movement. Your role will encompass routing, occasional quoting, and traffic management while meticulously handling customs regulations, preparing documentation, and adhering to country-specific guidelines. As a key player in our service-focused team dedicated to the Ultimate Customer Experience, you'll foster positive vendor relations, promote interoffice teamwork, and uphold high standards of transparency and effectiveness in shipment handling across various ports. If you're passionate about meticulous management, coordination, and making a significant impact in clearance management, explore this exciting opportunity with us at Priority.

General Responsibilities:

• Verify import/export documentation including invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, packing lists, and other relevant documents to determine the correct tariffs and duties applicable to the shipment.
• Monitor and track shipments to ensure timely arrival and clearance of goods, minimizing delays or disruptions at the border.
• Ensure accurate valuation of goods to determine the correct duty payable, considering factors such as transaction value, freight charges, and insurance costs.
• Prepare and submit customs declarations for both imports and exports, ensuring accuracy in the declaration of goods and compliance with all relevant laws.
• Ensure proper documentation is filed and that all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates are in order before goods are cleared.
• Ensure a proper chain of custody is followed and documented for all shipments in accordance with Priority’s policies and government requirements
• Attend to cargo verification and subsequent custom release at the Port, ICD or Airport of clearance ensuring the process is completed within the granted free days.
• Conduct a thorough check on the containers during verification to ensure any case of pre-existing damage is reported to the ICD/Port and documented.
• Supervise loading and ensure cargo is out of the respective Port / ICD of clearance until delivery to the client premises.
• Track the containers from loading date to till returning of the empty containers to the designated container depot and ensure inward interchange is issued.
• Follow up with various shipping lines to ensure that no demurrage/ repair costs are pending.
• Stay updated on changes to customs regulations, international trade agreements (e.g., East African Community (EAC), COMESA), and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade protocols.
• Ensure that operations comply with regional and international trade agreements, ensuring that imports and exports are handled according to Kenyan and international customs regulations
• Customs entry or facilitation of accurate entries through partner brokers at air and seaports
• Dispatching of inland transport for import/export shipments
• Handling and processing of shipments of all types and nature, including DG, Projects Shipments, Breakbulk Cargo, Oversized Cargo, Perishables etc. at all ports and points of entry, Land, Air and Ocean.

What We Offe

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.

• Salary Range: 40,000 KES-70,000 per month, depending on experience
• Paid Time off
• Medical Insurance
• Retirement benefits

Priority Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.