Bonded Zone Sr. Manager

Role PurposeThe Bonded Zone director is responsible for managing daily bonded warehouse operations, ensuring full compliance with Saudi Customs and ZATCA regulations, and maintaining accurate control of goods under customs supervision. This role focuses on operational efficiency, documentation accuracy, and smooth coordination with customs authorities, logistics partners, and internal teams to ensure timely clearance and dispatch of goods for B2C fulfillment.Key Responsibilities1. Bonded Zone OperationsManage day-to-day operations of bonded warehouse areas, including inbound, storage, order fulfillment, and outbound activities.Ensure clear segregation and tracking of bonded and non-bonded inventory in WMS and physical storage.Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders for import/export clearance processes.Manage documentation flow for goods under customs control (e.g., import declarations, HS code verification, invoices, packing lists).Monitor bonded area capacity utilization and ensure operational readiness to handle growth and seasonal volumes.2. Compliance and DocumentationEnsure all bonded operations comply with ZATCA and Saudi Customs requirements.Maintain accurate customs documentation and filing for all bonded transactions.Conduct internal audits and coordinate external customs audits or inspections.Support the preparation of duty deferment and bonded stock reconciliation reports.Implement and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for bonded operations.3. Team ManagementLead and supervise bonded warehouse supervisors, documentation clerks, and customs liaison officers.Allocate manpower effectively to maintain service levels and compliance.Conduct regular team briefings on customs updates, safety, and operational best practices.Develop team competency in bonded zone operations and customs regulations.4. Stakeholder CoordinationLiaise directly with ZATCA, logistics service providers, and customs brokers to ensure smooth and compliant operations.Collaborate with inbound, outbound, inventory, and finance teams to ensure synchronization of bonded goods flow and reporting.Support internal and external audits related to customs and bonded stock.5. Continuous ImprovementIdentify process gaps, inefficiencies, or compliance risks within bonded zone operations.Recommend process automation and improvements to reduce clearance time and operational cost.Support digital integration of WMS with customs systems for real-time tracking and reporting.Essential Skills & QualificationsEducation:Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, or related field. Experience:Minimum 5–8 years of experience in bonded or customs-controlled warehouse operations.Strong understanding of ZATCA customs procedures, import/export documentation, and bonded warehouse rules in Saudi Arabia.Experience in managing teams and coordinating with customs authorities.Preferably from an e-commerce, 3PL, or fulfillment background.Skills & Competencies:Strong knowledge of customs compliance and bonded warehousing practices.Hands-on experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and customs clearance software.Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of problem-solving under pressure.Proficient in English; Arabic is a strong advantage.Reporting Lines / Linked DepartmentsReports to: Head of FulfillmentDirect Reports: Bonded Warehouse Supervisors, Clearance ManagerWorks Closely With:Inbound & Outbound OperationsFinance (for duty/VAT reconciliation)Inventory Control & ComplianceLogistics & Transportation PartnersZATCA & Customs Authorities