Senior Supply Chain Specialist

Location: Apapa, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Overview

• The Senior Supply Chain Specialist is responsible for coordinating end-to-end import logistics, regulatory compliance, and supply chain operations to ensure the timely and cost-effective movement of cargo from origin to final delivery.
• The role will also serve as the Company's subject matter expert on regulatory compliance, managing all documentation and approvals required by NAFDAC, SON, NESREA, NAQS, Nigeria Customs Service, and other government agencies to facilitate seamless cargo clearance.
• The role oversees shipping documentation, customs and regulatory approvals, stakeholder coordination, and compliance with all statutory requirements while driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain & Shipment Coordination:

• Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, transporters, terminals, and customs agents to ensure timely cargo movement.
• Ensure accurate documentation throughout the supply chain process.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Coordinate the movement of import shipments from origin to final destination.
• Monitor shipment milestones and proactively resolve operational bottlenecks.

2Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:

• Prepare and submit applications for:
  • NAQS import permits and quarantine documentation.
  • SON Product Certificates (PC), SONCAP, and Import Permits.
  • NESREA permits where applicable.
  • NAFDAC permits, endorsements, laboratory processing, and Full Release.
• Review shipping documents to ensure regulatory compliance before submission.
• Process and obtain all required regulatory permits, approvals, endorsements, and releases.
• Ensure complete compliance with all applicable Nigerian import regulations and company SOPs.

National Single Window (NSW) Management:

• Process Consignment References for regulated cargo.
• Monitor approval status and resolve system validation issues promptly.
• Process Master Documents on the National Single Window platform.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies to expedite endorsements and Full Releases.

Customs & Regulatory Liaison

• Attend inspections and regulatory meetings.
• Follow up on pending approvals and resolve regulatory issues promptly.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with:
  • Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
  • NAFDAC
  • Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies.
  • National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)
  • Nigeria Customs Service
  • Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
• Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory officials to facilitate timely processing.

Shipment Compliance:

• Review Proforma Invoices, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and other shipping documents.
• Ensure all regulatory approvals are obtained before cargo arrival whenever possible.
• Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Verify HS Codes and determine applicable regulatory requirements.

Operational Support:

• Escalate complex operational or compliance issues to Management promptly.
• Support Form M, PAAR, and customs documentation processes.
• Resolve regulatory-related shipment delays.
• Provide regulatory guidance to Operations, Business Development, and Key Account teams.

Client & Stakeholder Management:

• Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction throughout the shipment lifecycle.
• Respond to client enquiries relating to logistics, customs, and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate documentation requirements clearly and promptly.
• Provide regular shipment and approval status updates.
• Advise clients on regulatory requirements before shipment.

Compliance, Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Recommend improvements to regulatory and supply chain processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports covering:
  • Storage and demurrage exposure
  • Shipment status
  • Pending regulatory approvals
  • Outstanding documentation
  • Compliance issues
  • Regulatory turnaround times
  • Operational KPIs
• Maintain accurate records of permits, approvals, licences, inspections, and correspondence.
• Monitor changes in government regulations, customs procedures, and import policies.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable training in Customs procedures, Form M, PAAR, SON, NAFDAC, or National Single Window (NSW) operations is desirable.
• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Transport Management, International Trade, Economics, or a related discipline.
• A professional certification in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Freight Forwarding is an added advantage (e.g., CILT, FIATA, CISCM, APICS/ASCM, NIM, or equivalent).
• Membership of a relevant professional body is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in freight forwarding, customs clearing, shipping documentation, import operations, or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple import shipments from origin to final delivery.
• Strong understanding of Nigerian import regulations, customs procedures, tariff classification (HS Codes), and international shipping documentation.
• At least 3 years' experience handling regulatory approvals involving NAFDAC, SON, NAQS, NESREA, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite for operational reporting and data analysis.
• Experience liaising with government regulatory agencies, shipping lines, terminals, freight forwarders, and transport providers.
• Proven experience processing Form M, PAAR, SONCAP, Product Certificates (PC), NAFDAC permits and Full Releases, and National Single Window (NSW) transactions.

Knowledge:

• Shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, and Delivery Orders.
• National Single Window (NSW) platform.
• Storage, demurrage, and port operations.
• NAFDAC, SON, SONCAP, NESREA, and NAQS regulatory requirements.
• Form M and PAAR processing.
• Nigerian Customs import and export procedures.
• Supply chain planning and logistics operations.
• Incoterms and international trade practices.