Senior Specialist Inbound And Customs

Purpose & Overall Relevance For The Organization

Responsible for managing the end-to-end product flow of adidas efficiently, timely, and cost-effectively – from origin factories until stock delivery to Distribution Centers and direct-to-customer shipments. Key accountabilities include daily monitoring and execution of all inbound shipping activities, customs clearance, forwarding, and stock updates, ensuring business continuity and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Inbound Operations & Product FlowManage the efficient and timely movement of adidas products from factories to UAE DC and direct-to-customer shipments (UAE or China). Oversee scheduling, booking, and tracking of inbound shipments to ensure on-time arrival and accuracy.
• Service Provider & Stakeholder ManagementLead discussions and maintain strong account management with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and inbound service providers. Run regular performance reviews (QBR/MBR) and collaborate cross-functionally with Product Supply, Sales, OBF, and SCM Excellence teams to align on priorities and delivery plans.
• Documentation, Compliance & CustomsEnsure the accurate preparation and maintenance of shipping instructions, inbound documentation, SOPs, and HS codes. Monitor compliance with customs regulations and manage claims resolution when required.
• Visibility, Reporting & KPI TrackingProvide visibility of inbound forecasts across internal and external stakeholders. Build, monitor, and report on key KPIs, lead-time performance, detention & demurrage (D&D), port pendency, and container movement. Conduct monthly & quarterly analysis of actuals vs. targets and share results with stakeholders.
• Cost Control & GovernanceMonitor and control inbound costs, including freight, customs, and 3PL invoices, ensuring accuracy and approval. Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements while balancing service quality and governance requirements.
• Projects & Global AlignmentSupport global logistics initiatives, tendering processes, and the implementation of key strategic projects and seasonal delivery planning.
• Team Leadership & DevelopmentProvide guidance, clear objectives, and regular performance reviews for team members. Set development targets, follow up on individual growth plans, and ensure smooth cooperation and network across the wider team.
  
  

• Global & Regional:
• Product Supply
• Distribution Center
• Logistics Providers
• Finance
• Order Fulfillment
  

• Expert in Inbound and Customs.
• Strong analytical skills and data driven decision making.
• Ability to deliver good results under pressure, accepting and meeting critical deadlines
• Ability to #CreateTheNew by challenging the status-quo.
• Motivated team player and willing to learn.
• Strong and proven analytical and communication skills with attention to details.
• Experienced in logistics and supply chain management as well as project management.
• Competence, experienced and high level of IT affinity (MS Office/Teams needed / SAP, WMS knowledge is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to lead and influence discussions in diverse groups of varying size (internal & external).
• English & Arabic speaking and writing.
  
  

• Word | PowerPoint | Outlook: Good
• Power BI : Good
• SAP : Good
• Excel : Advanced
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree/University degree or higher in Supply chain Management.
• 3-4 years of overall work experience in Supply Chain/Logistics
• Managerial Experience is a plus.