Forwarding Manager

Position Title

Forwarding Manager

Industry

Freight Forwarding

About the role

The Forwarding Manager is responsible for overseeing all freight forwarding and customs clearance operations to ensure shipments are handled efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This role focu+ses on coordinating import and export processes, ensuring smooth documentation flow, supporting customers and internal teams, and continuously improving operational efficiency to achieve timely and reliable delivery performance.

What You'll Be Doing

A. Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead and supervise the full customs clearance process for import and export shipments.
• Ensure accurate HS/HTS code classification, tariff application, and duty/tax calculations.
• Review and verify all customs declarations (K1, K2, K4, K8, K9, etc.).
• Liaise with Customs, MAQIS, SIRIM, MITI, KKM, CIDB, and other relevant authorities as required.
• Handle ZB submissions via uCustoms, including verification of supporting documents, exemption requests, and approval follow-ups.
• Ensure compliance with INCOTERMS, import/export licensing requirements, permits, and exemptions.
• Keep updated with customs regulations, tariff revisions, and government policy changes.

B. Freight Forwarding Operations

• Manage daily forwarding operations for air, sea, road, cross-border, FCL/LCL, and break-bulk shipments.
• Coordinate carrier bookings, freight negotiations, and communication with shipping lines, airlines, and transporters.
• Monitor shipment movement to ensure timely delivery and collection.
• Oversee preparation of shipping documents including Bill of Lading (BL), Air Waybill (AWB), invoices, packing lists, Certificate of Origin (COO), insurance documents, and related paperwork.

C. Documentation & System Management

• Review import and export documentation for accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Manage declaration submissions through uCustoms and MyTradeNet systems.
• Maintain accurate operational records for Customs, statutory, ISO, and internal audit purposes.
• Coordinate manifest submissions and post-declaration amendments when necessary.

D. Customer & Vendor Management

• Act as the primary liaison for customers regarding customs inquiries, shipment updates, and issue resolution.
• Advise customers on HS code classification, duty estimation, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain strong working relationships with carriers, port operators, logistics partners, and government agencies.

E. Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and supervise customs officers, declaration staff, and forwarding executives.
• Assign duties, monitor team performance, and ensure service quality standards are achieved.
• Develop and implement SOPs for customs clearance and forwarding operations.

F. Cost & Performance Control

• Negotiate freight rates and clearance charges to optimize operational costs and profit margins.
• Verify supplier invoices and ensure billing accuracy.
• Monitor department KPIs, shipment timelines, clearance efficiency, and compliance accuracy.

Authority

The Forwarding Manager is authorized to:

Operational Decisions

• Approve and coordinate freight forwarding activities for import/export shipments across air, sea, and land transportation.
• Optimize routing, carrier selection, and shipment scheduling within company guidelines.

Team Management

• Assign tasks, supervise performance, and implement disciplinary actions in accordance with company HR policies.

Vendor & Carrier Engagement

• Negotiate freight rates and service agreements with shipping lines, airlines, freight carriers, and third-party logistics providers within approved budget parameters.

What We're Looking For

Education

• Diploma or Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding with hands-on exposure to customs clearance and declaration processes.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of HS/HTS code classification.
• Experience with uCustoms and ZB submission processes.
• Familiar with duty/tax structures, import/export permits, and regulatory compliance procedures.
• Knowledge of FCL, LCL, airfreight, cross-border, and DG cargo handling.
• Good analytical, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Able to work under pressure and manage tight timelines effectively.

Pay: RM7,000.00 - RM10,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Maternity leave
• Opportunities for promotion
• Parental leave
• Professional development

Work Location: In person