Manager, Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding

Our client is a small but reputable third-party testing & certification agency that is looking to establish their first branch in Kazakhstan. They are searching for a seasoned and worldly Manager, Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding with extensive hands-on experience in both areas, especially for freight forwarding operations. In this role, you will oversee their end-to-end international logistics processes, ensuring compliant, efficient, and commercially-viable movement of their customer's goods across borders. The ideal candidate will possess deep regulatory knowledge, a strong individual contributor mindset with management capabilities, and significant commercial acumen. Please note - this is a FOUNDING position that will require the candidate to act as a legal representative in Kazakhstan. And, while this is a leadership role, it is also equally hands-on since there will not be many staff to begin with. Strong working fluency in English is also REQUIRED. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Act as the legal representative of the company in Kazakhstan, and assist with all incorporation and ongoing company-related matters. Lead and oversee customs brokerage and freight forwarding operations across air, ocean, and land transport. Manage import and export clearance processes, including tariff classification, HS code determination, valuation, duty optimization, and compliance documentation. Ensure adherence to local and international trade regulations, customs laws, and trade compliance requirements. Oversee freight booking, routing, carrier negotiations, and shipment coordination. Develop and implement SOPs to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays, and minimize compliance risks. Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight agents, shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and warehouse operators. Monitor KPIs such as clearance turnaround time, demurrage/detention exposure, and cost control. Lead issue resolution for complex customs cases, inspections, audits, and shipment exceptions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in automation, documentation systems, and compliance tracking. REQUIREMENTS: Must be willing to act as the company's legal representative. At least 3 - 5 years of experience in both customs clearance and freight forwarding operations. Strong knowledge of tariff codes, customs valuation, duty structures, free trade agreements, and trade compliance regulations. Solid understanding of incoterms, international shipping documentation, and cross-border trade procedures. Commercial mindset with the ability to balance compliance, service quality, and profitability. Proficiency in freight management systems, customs declaration software, and Microsoft Office tools. Strong working fluency in English is REQUIRED. Fluency in Kazakh/Russian is also required. Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, international trade, business, or a related field. If you are qualified and interested, we kindly invite you to apply! In the meantime, please consider following our company page for more updates and relevant job opportunities.