Global Shipping Specialist

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Global Shipping Specialist to manage the end-to-end international shipping and logistics operations for our portfolio of five (5) perfume brands
. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating ocean freight, air cargo, customs clearance, and all related shipping and import/export operations to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of products across international and domestic markets.

This role requires strong knowledge of Saudi customs regulations (including SASO/SABER requirements), international freight forwarding, and the specific handling requirements of alcohol-based/fragrance cosmetic products.

• Manage and coordinate all ocean freight (FCL/LCL) and air cargo shipments across all five perfume brands, from origin to final destination.
• Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and airlines to negotiate competitive freight rates and secure reliable transit schedules.
• Track and monitor shipments in real time, proactively resolving delays, routing issues, or disruptions.
• Consolidate shipments across brands and suppliers where possible to optimize cost and efficiency.
• Evaluate and recommend alternative shipping routes/modes (sea, air, or overland/TIR trucking) based on cost, urgency, and cargo type.

• Manage import/export customs clearance processes in coordination with customs brokers and Saudi Customs authorities.
• Ensure all shipments comply with SASO, SABER, and other applicable Saudi regulatory requirements for cosmetics and fragrance products.
• Review all required shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, airway bills, and any product-specific certifications.
• Stay current on regulatory changes affecting the import of alcohol-based/fragrance products and update internal processes accordingly.
• Handle classification (HS codes) and duty/tax assessments for all shipped products.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with freight forwarders, shipping agents, customs brokers, and logistics service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with logistics partners.
• Coordinate with the five brands' supply chain/production teams to align shipping schedules with production and demand planning.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all shipping-related inquiries from internal stakeholders (sales, warehouse, finance) and external partners.

• Monitor and control shipping and logistics costs; identify cost-saving opportunities across all brands.
• Prepare regular reports on shipment status, costs, transit times, and KPIs for management review.
• Support budgeting and forecasting related to logistics and shipping expenses.

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in international shipping, freight forwarding, or logistics operations, ideally within the cosmetics, or fragrance industry.
• Proven experience managing ocean freight, air cargo, and customs clearance processes.
• Experience handling multiple brands or product lines simultaneously is preferred.
• Familiarity with shipping sensitive/regulated goods (e.g., alcohol-based products) is a strong advantage.

• Strong knowledge of Incoterms, international shipping regulations, and customs procedures.
• Working knowledge of Saudi import regulations, SASO/SABER certification requirements.
• Proficiency with freight/logistics software and ERP systems.
• Excellent negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and priorities across different brands simultaneously.
• High attention to detail, particularly with documentation and compliance requirements.

• Prior experience working with perfume, cosmetics, or FMCG brands.
• Existing network of freight forwarders and customs brokers in Saudi Arabia and key trade lanes (China, Europe, GCC).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage time-sensitive shipments.