Port Operations Officer

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Finlays is a vertically integrated and geographically diversified agri-business that takes a leadership role in sustainability. The group has established itself as a reliable, responsible, innovative and sustainable producer with a deep knowledge and passion for its products. Sustainability is pivotal to the group’s success and it lies at the heart of what Finlays does and stands for.
Finlays is Kenya’s largest agricultural export group employing over 12,000 people and annually exporting over 130 million stems of flowers, 26 million kilos of black tea and 3 million kilos of tea extract. The organization is geographically located in Kericho and Mombasa and works with over 10,000 tea out growers.
Finlays is a subsidiary of the Swire Group which is a diversified conglomerate, headquartered in London. It controls a large range of wholly owned businesses, including deep-sea shipping, cold storage, road transport, and agricultural activities, along with energy and oil businesses and investments. Swire controls a large property empire in Asia - mainly Hong Kong.

JOB SUMMARY

Finlays is a leading independent business-to-business supplier of tea, coffee, and botanical solutions to beverage brand owners worldwide. We invite applications for the position of Port Operations Officer at our Mombasa, Kenya operations. Job summaryReporting to the Assistant Manager - Logistics, the successful candidate will be expected to ensure containers are delivered to port on time and loaded on nominated vessels in support of the company’s C&F export operations. The position will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with Customs and other regulatory requirements for Exports. Further, duties under this position will extend to facilitating the processing of VAT Bond Certificates and cancellation for quick purchase and collection of tea intended for blending and shipment. Minimum requirements A minimum of a Diploma in Shipping, Freight Forwarding or a relevant field. Possession of ICMS training certification and the East Africa Freight Forwarding Practising Certificate (EAFFPC) issued by KESRA.At least five (5) years of experience in the relevant field. Experience in registering customs entries for both sea and air shipments.In-depth knowledge of customs laws (EACCMA) and international shipping procedures.Proficiency in ICMS, KENTRADE, KEPHIS IECS, and Tea Board IMIS systems.Strong understanding of logistics operations, including clearing and forwarding, customer grievance resolution, and customs bond management.Comprehensive understanding of import and export operations, including compliance and security bond procedures.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics Navision) will be an added advantage.Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrate strong teamwork, proactive engagement, and exhibit a hands-on approach to operational tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Process all customs and port-related documentation accurately and within required timelines, for the delivery of containers to the port in accordance with regulatory and company standards. Secure port charges and ensure no additional or unnecessary costs are incurred.Manage customs bonds, tax exemptions, and related compliance documentation.Ensure strict compliance with all applicable local and international customs regulations, procedures, and authorities.Evaluate logistics workflows, identify process gaps, and recommend efficiency and productivity improvements.Maintain effective communication and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and regulatory bodies to facilitate seamless customs and logistics operations.  HOW TO APPLYIf you meet the above requirements and you are interested, please send your application and a detailed CV not later than 11th December 2025. Finlays is an equal opportunity employer.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Word processing and office software, Tax management, Port cargo handling, Freight forwarding, Import logistics and custom handling, Logistics planning and management, Enterprise Resource Planning - ERP system (use of), Interpersonal communication, High work ethic, Compliance

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Diploma, Associate's degree