Lead, Customs Clearance

Job Description
Why Airtel Africa?
At Airtel Africa, we act with passion, energy, and a can-do attitude. Innovation with an entrepreneurial spirit drive us. If you like “ordinary”, then we are not for you.
We champion diversity. We anticipate, adapt, and deliver solutions that enrich the lives of communities we serve. we roll up our sleeves to win with our customers.
By choosing Airtel, you choose to be part of a winning team. All this in addition to a brilliant opportunity to build a career in your field of expertise, across our different operating companies in Africa.
About The Job
The purpose of the job is to ensure timely delivery of Capex and Opex items while maintaining full visibility of Airtel orders and driving cost efficiency across logistics processes. This role will also oversee compliance for customs audits and manage key relationships with OEMs, Customs, banks, and regulatory bodies to support smooth operations.
Airtel Africa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and remain fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Responsibilities
Logistics management and support for asset management

• Manage import activities and processes for network equipment, ensuring compliance with Nigerian customs and regulatory standards
• Apply HS codes accurately to ensure correct duties are paid on all shipments
• Oversee customs documentation to enable warehouse receipt of equipment and facilitate finance payments
• Support the Network team in planning importation of equipment.
• Review import documentation and payments to ensure readiness for customs post ‑ clearance audits.
• Use of Customs e-Advance Ruling system to address all contentious HS codes for materials
  

End-to-end logistics operations management

• Ensure timely delivery of all Opex and Capex items into the country.
• Facilitate repair and return of faulty network equipment to sustain operations.
• Coordinate customs clearance for imported consignments.
• Resolve documentation gaps in imports and purchases to prevent excess duties or clearance delays.
• Maintain accurate asset tracking of imported equipment.
• Manage relationships with third ‑ party customs agents.
• Drive cost efficiency across inbound and outbound logistics in line with budget targets.
• Circulate required reports promptly through direct reports.
• Oversee agent payments within 14 days of job completion.
  

Relationship management with all regulatory agencies & OEM’s

• Manage queries and escalations from regulatory agencies on imports.
• Resolve delivery issues from OEM’s and user departments.
• Ensure timely payments to foreign suppliers in line with PO delivery terms.
• Enhance clearing productivity by effectively managing monthly SLA meetings with agents.
• Lead the annual HS code harmonization exercise with clearing agents
  

Cross functional engagement and support

• Act as the Single Point of contact for Custom clearing activities for SCM across stakeholder departments
• Develop a win-win working relationship between Network Team and OEM’s for material imports
• Develop a collaborative working relationship with all 3PL vendors
• Collaborate and communicate effectively, ensuring an inclusive approach to team work
  

Qualifications
Educational Qualifications

• First degree in Engineering, Numerical Sciences or Business studies
  

Relevant Experience & Functional / Technical Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of experience
• Ability to manage business relationships
• Good understanding of Customs HS codes for telecom equipment’s
• Good understanding of Clearance & Import/export requirements
• Ability to coordinate and multitask.
• Good management skills and ability to deliver results through other people
• Analytical and presentation Skills
• Good negotiation Skills

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