Customs and Transit Lead

About the role

The Customs and Transit Lead will define and maintain BWE Gabon's customs compliance framework, ensuring alignment with Gabonese customs law, the CEMAC Customs Code, and international standards. This senior position coordinates customs planning for capital and drilling projects and manages relationships with regulatory bodies, freight forwarders, and transit agents.

Key responsibilities

• Define and maintain customs compliance framework and manage customs regimes (ATS/ATN, temporary admission, definitive importation).
• Lead customs planning for capital and drilling projects, coordinating with Procurement, Logistics, and Finance to optimise duty exposure.
• Manage relationships with Gabonese regulatory bodies, freight forwarders, and transit agents to ensure performance and cost efficiency.
• Maintain accurate shipment trackers, oversee archiving of customs files, and ensure regulatory retention compliance.
• Lead response to customs audits, coordinate with Legal, and manage customs litigation matters.
• Supervise the Transit & Customs Coordinator, develop team competency, define KPIs, and report performance.
• Coordinate customs input for tender evaluations, contract negotiations, and supplier qualification.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Customs Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in customs clearance, transit management, and import/export operations.
• At least 3 years of experience in the Oil & Gas or extractive industry.
• Proven experience managing customs regimes specific to Gabon or the CEMAC zone (ATS/ATN, temporary admission).
• Prior experience with a freight forwarder or customs broker is a plus.

Required skills

• Customs compliance frameworks
• Management of customs regimes (ATS/ATN, temporary admission)
• IFS ERP system usage

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead customs strategy for a major Oil & Gas operation in Gabon.
• Collaborative environment with cross‑functional teams.
• Professional development and team leadership responsibilities.