Customs & Operations Specialist

About Priority Worldwide

Priority Worldwide is a leading global freight forwarder headquartered in the USA, with offices and operations around the world. Our philosophy is centered on delivering the ULTIMATE Customer Experience (UCE) through teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

We are looking for an experienced Customs & Operations Specialist to join our Dubai team and play an important role in managing our day‑to‑day freight forwarding and customs operations.

This is a hands‑on freight forwarding position combining air and ocean import/export operations with UAE Customs responsibilities. The ideal candidate is an experienced freight forwarding professional who understands the complete shipment lifecycle and is comfortable managing both the operational and customs sides of the business.

In this role, you will manage air and ocean shipments from booking and documentation through customs clearance, delivery, and final file completion. You will work closely with customers, overseas agents, airlines, steamship lines, co-loaders, transport providers, warehouses, terminals, and UAE Customs authorities to keep shipments moving efficiently.

This is not a customs-only position. Strong freight forwarding operations experience is essential. The successful candidate will be comfortable taking ownership of shipments while also managing the customs clearance process.

You will also have the opportunity to work with customers, overseas agents, carriers, and Priority Worldwide offices across our international network, gaining broad exposure to global freight forwarding operations.

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on freight forwarding experience in the UAE is required.
• Strong air and ocean import and export operations experience.
• UAE Customs clearance experience is required, including working knowledge of Mirsal II / Dubai Trade.
• Strong hands‑on Cargo Wise experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of international freight forwarding processes, documentation, and shipment lifecycle management.
• Experience coordinating with airlines, steamship lines, overseas agents, transport providers, Customs authorities, customers, and vendors.
• Experience with freight rates, quotations, shipment tracking, and customer support is preferred.
• Ability to independently identify and resolve operational and customs issues.
• Excellent English communication skills, strong organization, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to customer service.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced operation.
• Dangerous Goods and perishable shipment experience is highly preferred.
• On-Site Position: This is a fully on-site position based in our Dubai office. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role. The successful candidate must be available to work on-site during regular business hours.

Freight Forwarding Operations

• Manage assigned air and ocean import and export shipments from receipt of shipping instructions through final delivery and completion of the shipment file.
• Coordinate bookings with airlines, steamship lines, co-loaders, overseas agents, and other service providers.
• Receive, review, and process import/export documentation to ensure shipments are properly prepared and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain accurate shipment records, documentation, milestones, and operational information in Cargo Wise.
• Monitor and proactively track shipments, identifying potential delays or issues and taking appropriate action to keep cargo moving.
• Coordinate cargo movement and delivery with customers, consignees, shippers, transport providers, carriers, agents, and suppliers.
• Obtain and negotiate air and ocean freight rates with carriers, co-loaders, and other service providers.
• Prepare customer quotations and assist with inside sales and other customer requests.
• Communicate proactively with customers and overseas agents regarding shipment status, documentation, delays, exceptions, and delivery arrangements.
• Work with airlines, steamship lines, trucking providers, warehouses,…