Customs Clearance Manager

Location Tokyo
Discipline Supply Chain & Procurement
Job type Permanent
Salary Negotiable
Reference 49801

 

Job Summary

This position involves preparing, reviewing, and submitting customs documentation for both air and ocean freight, including filings related to relevant legal and regulatory requirements. The current team comprises one manager (male, 50s) and one team member (female, 40s). The current manager will be transitioning out of the role (timing TBD), and this position is intended as a replacement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage customs declarations for both air and ocean shipments
    (Approx. 240 air and 135 ocean declarations per month)
    (Air Export:Import = 4:2.5 / Ocean Export:Import = 2.5:1)

  • Coordinate with clients to verify product information

  • Liaise with customs authorities, attend physical inspections, and oversee submission of required documentation

  • Manage quarantine clearance for items such as plants, animals, and food products

  • Typical shipment categories include: industrial equipment, electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and apparel

Qualifications

Mandatory:

  • Possession of a Japanese Customs Broker License

  • Direct experience in customs clearance with a freight forwarder or customs broker

  • Experience level required:

    • Supervisor: 3+ years

    • Assistant Manager: 5+ years

    • Manager: 7+ years

Preferred for Manager-Level Applicants:

  • Prior team leadership or supervisory experience

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Aged approximately 30 to 50 (flexible)

  • Able to read and understand English for customs-related tasks

  • Strong communicator, both internally and externally

  • Adaptable, collaborative, and team-oriented

  • Motivated and eager to embrace new challenges

  • Patient, reliable, and detail-focused

Why This Role is Appealing

  • Be part of an internationally connected team

  • Gain exposure to a broad variety of customs cases that go beyond local jurisdiction, supporting professional development as a licensed customs expert

Reason for Hiring

This position is being filled to replace a current team member who is transferring internally. A remote or business trip-based handover process is planned.

Employment Details

  • Type: Full-time permanent position

  • Location: Fukuoka Branch (Fukuoka International Cargo Terminal)

  • Remote Work: Up to 2 days/week available after the probationary period

Working Conditions

  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:45 PM (1-hour lunch break)

  • Flextime System: Core hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Overtime: Approx. 25 hours/month

  • On-Call: Emergency weekend duty about once every 3 weeks (remote, approx. 30 min–2 hours)

Days Off

  • Monday through Friday (standard 5-day workweek)

  • National holidays, year-end/new year holidays