JOB PURPOSE
To support the achievement of the Jamaica Customs Agency’s mandate to optimise trade facilitation, border protection and revenue collection by implementing and entrenching compliance with all legislation and regulations governing the functional areas of responsibility and ensuring that the Agency’s human, physical and financial resources are managed by the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations [such as FAA Act, Executive Agencies Act, the Financial Instructions to Executive Agencies (FIEA) and delegated human resource management functions].
To lead, coordinate and control the management of post-clearance audit, incentives, valuation research and private bonded warehouses’ operational activities to facilitate the effective and efficient movement of accurately classified, valued and customed goods that supports legitimate trade while preventing the illegal movement of goods across Jamaica’s borders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
Technical/Professional Responsibilities
- The Senior Operations Supervisor is responsible for supervising and coordinating marine operations at the different Berths, cargo processing, declaration verification, revenue collection, and compliance enforcement in accordance with the Customs Act and related legislation. This role also encompasses leadership of the Parcel Post Unit, vessel monitoring, warehousing, and the management of restricted or prohibited goods
- Oversees import, export, and transshipment activities, including breakbulk and containerized cargo clearance.
- Supervises cargo unloading and ensures proper storage, accounting, and documentation.
- Checks manifests, short-landed goods reports, and Bad Order (Form C14) listings.
- Monitors and manages storage of in-transit goods in designated facilities.
- Ensures customs entries are properly completed, verified, and authorized by the designated officer.
- Confirms alignment between Bill of Lading, entry documentation, and invoices.
- Verifies Collection Officer’s signature and official stamps.
- Conducts secondary physical examination of goods, checks tariff headings and duty rates.
- Reports discrepancies or suspected fraud to the Manager.
- Monitors duty payments and ensures proper revenue collection.
- Balances daily collections and ensures documentation aligns with JCA and FAAA Act procedures.
- Issues Detention or Seizure Notices for prohibited or restricted goods.
- Ensures prompt transfer of overtime goods to Queen’s Warehouse
- Assigns and reassigns entries through the ASYCUDA system to officers.
- Oversees declaration processing and ensures entries meet all compliance requirements.
- Leads daily operations to ensure trade facilitation, documentation integrity, and contraband detection.
- Participates in the development, implementation, and review of operational plans.
- Provides tactical and operational guidance to officers.
- Reviews and reallocates workload assignments as necessary.
- Supervises performance of team members to ensure achievement of targets.
- Implements the staff performance management system.
- Ensures optimal use of human and physical resources.
- Supports continuous improvement and staff development.
- Liaises with other government agencies (health, immigration, agriculture, commerce, security) to enforce relevant laws and regulations.
- Represents the Agency in national, regional, and international discussions relating to customs operations.
- Interfaces with the public, clients, and stakeholders on customs administration and customer service matters.
- Monitors parcel movement from mailbags to First Examination Officers.
- Assigns staff based on workload and sets targets.
- Guides staff on classification, valuation, and detention of goods.
- Ensures staff are updated on circulars and regulatory changes.
- Reviews Assessment Sheets for compliance and accuracy.
- Supports good customer service and manages client complaints and queries
- Evaluates and handles complex cases, providing guidance and recommending resolution strategies.
- Reviews and approves write-off submissions; escalates high-value cases.
- Analyzes risks and ensures enforcement consistency across legislation.
- Advises team members on legal and procedural interpretations.
- Negotiates settlements and payment arrangements for complex cases
- Monitors and approves actions such as asset seizure, garnishments, and court summonses.
- Manages non-filing actions and recommends legal interventions as needed.
- Oversees the preparation of legal documents including:
- Summons
- Judgment orders
- Warrants of distress or commitment
- Maintains priority case files and supports litigation efforts.
- Acts as an expert witness in legal proceedings.
- Ensures processes and controls within operational units are followed.
- Assists with development of policies and procedures for the Customs Operations Handbook.
- Prepares strategic plans, reports, forecasts, and documentation for the Kingston Wharves and Parcel Post operations.
- Submits monthly and ad hoc operational reports.
- Ensures timely communication of procedural or policy changes to staff.
- Performs other related functions required for the effective execution of operational mandates and performance targets
- Guiding and processing passengers in accordance with the Customs Act, and other related laws and policies
- Conducting rummaging of aircraft
- Providing surveillance of the Baggage Hall and surrounding restricted areas
- Conducts secondary examinations of passenger luggage’
- Conduct Time & Motion Studies and Audits, in keeping with the established standards
- Monitor the collection and reporting of Departure Tax and Airline Passenger Levy
- Communicates with airline agents, traders, brokers to assess and ensure procedural compliance in reporting flight activity, declaring goods, receive and provide information.
Human Resources Responsibilities
- Assist the Manager with planning, organising, and directing the Section’s work.
- Participates in developing the Section Workplans and prepares work plans for direct reports.
- Documents and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for areas of responsibility.
- Conducts periodic reviews of direct reports by work plans.
- Conducts assessment of direct report based on performance assessment criteria and prepares performance report.
- Evaluates performance of direct report in keeping with targets and standards.
- Signs performance management reports.
- Ensures that staff have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
- Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave by established Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
- Provides leadership and guidance to staff through coaching, mentoring, training, and support.
- Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Section
- Recommend disciplinary action where necessary in respect of direct reports.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Contributes to the strategic planning and review process for the Unit’s activities.
- Monitors work processes, systems, and controls within the unit to achieve its objectives effectively and efficiently.
- Contributes to developing operational manuals, outlining applicable policies and procedures for the operational activities to be integrated into a single Operations Handbook for Jamaica Customs.
Customer Service Responsibilities
- Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements;
- Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design;
- Ensures critical success factors are identified and meets expectations;
- Prepares quarterly and/or annually Customer Service reports in accordance with established standards.
Other Responsibilities
- Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time.
- May be required to provide witness statements, attend court proceedings, and give evidence.
- Enforces Health & Safety Policies & Procedures and mitigates and minimises workplace hazards.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core
- Excellent analytical, decision-making, planning, and organizing skills.
- Strong judgment and strategic thinking abilities.
- Ability to think operationally and tactically.
- Keen attention to detail with a strong ability to review documents for evidence of fraud and/or manipulation.
- Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.
- Strong people and staff management capabilities, with the ability to motivate teams effectively.
- Excellent negotiating skills and sound time management.
- Demonstrates high levels of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to interact and work effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds.
- Cooperative and adaptable, especially under pressure.
- Strong financial management skills.
Technical
- Expert knowledge of the Customs Act, Regulations, related legislations and other tax laws and their impact on business, international trade and economics.
- Expert knowledge and understanding of Customs Operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of applied Risk Assessment.
- Sound understanding and experience in managing limited resources to achieve challenging output targets.
- Comprehensive knowledge of management practices.
- Expert knowledge of Valuation principles and practices.
- Excellent understanding of international trade practices and processes.
- Understanding the application of information technology solutions to organisational problems and the fundamentals of ICT-based analytical tools.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- First degree in Public Administration or equivalent qualification in the Social Sciences.
- At least five (5) years’ experience in an operational management position, including experience in the application of the Customs Act and related legislation.
- Supervisory management training and/or experience.
- Specialized training and knowledge of customs administration and operations and classification and valuation systems
SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB
- Work will be conducted in various offices with standard office equipment and specialised software.
- Involves working in a fast-paced environment with ongoing interactions with critical stakeholders.
- May have exposure to dust, dirt and inclement weather condition.
- Travel required (10 – 30%). May be required to represent the Agency at conferences, meetings, etc.
- Irregular and unscheduled working hours.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by HRMD
