Import & Customs Logistics Specialist – FMCG

Import & Customs Logistics Specialist – FMCG & Regulatory Governance

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

• Unilever
• FMCG / Beauty & Personal Care
• Full-time On-site

Unilever, one of the world's leading consumer goods organizations, is hiring an Import and Customs Logistics Specialist to oversee its expanding import operations across Saudi Arabia from its Jeddah hub. The role centers on managing end-to-end import shipment flows, navigating complex local regulatory frameworks, and guaranteeing cost-effective, compliant customs clearance in a fast-paced FMCG supply chain.

You manage the end-to-end customs clearance process for incoming goods, obtaining necessary approvals and permits ahead of shipment arrival. You ensure strict compliance with Saudi Arabian regulatory bodies, including SFDA, SASO, and ZATCA, while managing triangulation invoice requirements and customs exemptions.

You track import shipments from origin through to final delivery at designated warehouses, monitoring transit timelines and delivery readiness. You actively follow up on empty container returns to eliminate demurrage and detention charges, while keeping accurate records across internal logistics systems.

You act as the main operational contact for logistics service providers, freight forwarders, government officials, and internal warehouse teams. You monitor vendor performance, identify operational bottlenecks, measure clearance lead times, and leverage analytics tools like Excel and Power BI to support continuous improvement projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 1–2 years of hands‑on experience in import operations, customs clearance, freight forwarding, or logistics in Saudi Arabia
• Practical knowledge of KSA regulatory frameworks and platforms, specifically SFDA, SASO, and ZATCA Customs
• Bilingual fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint), with Power BI skills considered a strong advantage

Saudi Arabia remains one of the fastest‑evolving supply chain markets in the MENA region, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and stringent trade governance. Developing early‑career expertise within Unilever's structured logistics function provides rare exposure to multi‑agency regulatory compliance (SFDA, SASO, ZATCA), making this position a high‑value accelerator for supply chain professionals in the Kingdom.

While Linked In indicates higher applicant activity, entry‑level to junior roles in KSA that require both local regulatory fluency (SFDA/ZATCA) and bilingual skills typically yield a small pool of truly qualified candidates. Applicants with hands‑on customs documentation experience and system knowledge will stand out quickly in the selection process.

• Base salary: SAR 12,000 - 18,000/month