Our client is a small but reputable third-party testing & certification agency that is looking to establish their first branch in Kazakhstan.

They are searching for a seasoned and worldly Director of Customs Clearance & Freight Forwarding with extensive hands-on experience in both areas, especially for freight forwarding operations. 

In this role, you will oversee their end-to-end international logistics processes, ensuring compliant, efficient, and commercially-viable movement of their customer's goods across borders. The ideal candidate will possess deep regulatory knowledge, a strong individual contributor mindset with management capabilities, and significant commercial acumen.

Please note - this is a FOUNDING position that will require the candidate to act as a legal representative in Kazakhstan. And, while this is a leadership role, it is also equally hands-on since there will not be many staff to begin with.

Strong working fluency in English is also REQUIRED.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as the legal representative of the company in Kazakhstan, and assist with all incorporation and ongoing company-related matters.
• Lead and oversee customs brokerage and freight forwarding operations across air, ocean, and land transport.
• Manage import and export clearance processes, including tariff classification, HS code determination, valuation, duty optimization, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure adherence to local and international trade regulations, customs laws, and trade compliance requirements.
• Oversee freight booking, routing, carrier negotiations, and shipment coordination.
• Develop and implement SOPs to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays, and minimize compliance risks.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight agents, shipping lines, airlines, trucking companies, and warehouse operators.
• Monitor KPIs such as clearance turnaround time, demurrage/detention exposure, and cost control.
• Lead issue resolution for complex customs cases, inspections, audits, and shipment exceptions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in automation, documentation systems, and compliance tracking.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing to act as the company's legal representative.
• At least 7 - 10 years of experience in both customs clearance and freight forwarding operations.
• Strong knowledge of tariff codes, customs valuation, duty structures, free trade agreements, and trade compliance regulations.
• Solid understanding of incoterms, international shipping documentation, and cross-border trade procedures.

• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance compliance, service quality, and profitability.

• Proficiency in freight management systems, customs declaration software, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong working fluency in English is REQUIRED. Fluency in Kazakh/Russian is also required.
• Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain, international trade, business, or a related field.

If you are qualified and interested, we kindly invite you to apply! In the meantime, please consider following our company page for more updates and relevant job opportunities.