Forwarding Manager
Job Summary
The Forwarding Manager is responsible for leading customs clearance processes and managing end-to-end freight forwarding operations. This role oversees regulatory compliance, shipment coordination across air, sea, and road, and ensures accurate documentation and system submissions. Additionally, the position involves team supervision, vendor negotiation, and maintaining strong relationships with government authorities.
Responsibilities
- Lead customs clearance and regulatory compliance
- Manage air, sea, and land freight operations
- Supervise customs documentation and system submissions
- Oversee team performance and departmental KPIs
- Coordinate with government agencies and vendors
Required Skills
- 5+ years freight forwarding experience
- Expertise in HS/HTS classification and uCustoms
- Proficiency in import/export permits
- Strong Bahasa Malaysia communication
- Leadership and team management skills
Job Details
Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance:
- Lead and supervise the full customs clearance process for import and export shipments.
- Ensure accurate HS/HTS code classification, tariff application, and duty/tax calculations.
- Review all customs declarations (K1, K2, K8, K9, K4, etc.).
- Handle clearance with Customs, MAQIS, SIRIM, MITI, KKM, CIDB, and other authorities as required.
- Handle ZB submission in uCustoms, including verification of supporting documents, exemption requests, and approval follow-up.
- Ensure compliance with INCOTERMS, import/export licensing requirements, exemptions, and permits.
- Maintain updated knowledge of customs regulations, tariff changes, and new government policies.
Freight Forwarding Operations:
- Manage daily operations for air, sea, road, cross-border, FCL/LCL, and break-bulk shipments.
- Arrange carrier bookings, freight negotiations, and coordination with shipping lines, airlines, and transporters.
- Monitor shipment movement and ensure timely delivery and collection.
- Oversee preparation of shipping documents: BL, AWB, invoice, packing list, COO, insurance, etc.
Documentation & System Handling:
- Review import/export documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Manage uCustoms / MyTradeNet declaration submissions.
- Maintain precise records for audits (Customs, internal, statutory, ISO).
- Coordinate manifest submission and post-declaration amendments when required.
Customer & Vendor Management:
- Serve as the primary liaison with customers for customs inquiries, shipment updates, and problem resolution.
- Provide customers with guidance on HS code classification, duty estimates, and compliance requirements.
- Maintain strong relationships with carriers, port operators, and government agencies.
Team Management:
- Lead, train, and supervise customs officers, declaration staff, and forwarding executives.
- Assign duties, monitor performance, and ensure high service quality.
- Develop SOPs for customs clearance and forwarding operations.
Cost & Performance Control:
- Negotiate freight rates and clearance charges to optimize profit margin.
- Validate supplier invoices and ensure cost accuracy.
- Track department KPIs, timelines, clearance speed, and compliance accuracy.
Requirements:
- SPM & Above.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in freight forwarding with hands-on customs clearance & declaration.
- HS/HTS code classification.
- uCustoms / ZB submission.
- Duty/tax structure.
- Import/export permits & regulatory procedures.
- Familiar with FCL, LCL, Airfreight, Cross-border, and DG cargo handling.
- Good analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight timelines.
- Strong Bahasa Malaysia communication skills, as the role requires frequent liaison with Customs officers and other government authorities.