Job Description

Trade Compliance Specialist - Johannesburg

Are you able to provide specialist oversight of customs, sanctions, classification, licensing and regulatory requirements, while supporting Operations and customers to resolve issues and prevent delays?

This is an exciting opportunity for a Trade Compliance Specialist that can ensure the company’s international trade activities are compliant, efficient and commercially sustainable. This role would protect the business from regulatory, financial and reputational risk, maintaining effective compliance controls, enabling the company to respond confidently to changing regulations, customer requirements and opportunities for international growth.

Role Responsibilities Overview:

You would be responsible for customs, export control and trade compliance matters, advise on expected standards and support the designated lead for authority interactions, records and follow-up.

Develop effective relationships with key regional regulators and relevant regulatory contacts within Biocair’s client base to support trade compliance advice, escalation and issue resolution.

Complete sanctions denied party and export control screening; investigate potential matches; document clearance or rejection decisions, and maintain investigation records, including match reviews, licence assessments, outcomes, escalations and supporting evidence.

Monitor trade regulations in identified risk areas, assess business impacts and recommend actions to maintain compliance, standardise processes and deliver regulatory, system and process improvements.

Develop, maintain and deliver trade compliance knowledge resources, policies, SOPs, work instructions and training materials covering customs, export controls, sanctions, denied party screening, classification, origin, valuation, licences, authorisations and regulatory changes.

Complete internal trade compliance reviews, risk assessments and shipment sampling audits to confirm that Biocair standards, customer requirements and regulatory requirements are met, including review of relevant customs, shipment and supporting records.

Support clients and staff by advising on customs and trade compliance requirements, investigating and resolving customs compliance issues and regulatory queries.

What We Offer You:

20 days annual leave + volunteering leave + birthday leave

Employee Assistance Programme Work Environment:

This is a full-time role 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:30 (Hybrid)

Career Growth:

Opportunity to work within a specialist global life sciences logistics business

Exposure to international shipping, complex customer requirements, and regulated pharmaceutical logistics

Be part of a growing organisation operating in 170+ countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Recognised qualification or formal training in customs and international trade, or equivalent practical experience.

Minimum 3 years’ practical experience in customs, import/export operations, trade compliance or a closely related regulated logistics environment.

Desirable:

Advanced or professional qualification in customs or international trade.

Export controls and sanctions training.

Incoterms - qualification/training.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Demonstrable knowledge of customs legislation, procedures, commodity classification, customs valuation and rules of origin. (Essential)
• Understanding of export controls, sanctions, denied party screening and licensing requirements. (Essential)
• Experience reviewing customs declarations or resolving compliance issues. (Essential)
• Experience in audits, compliance or risk management. (Desirable)
• Experience working in pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences or specialist logistics. (Desirable)
• Ability to lead through influence across multiple functions and locations globally. (Desirable)

To learn more about Biocair, please visit us at: https://www.biocair.com/

Diversity & Inclusion:

Biocair is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, included, valued and respected. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact: globaltalentacquisition@biocair.com

Right to Work:

Biocair values diversity and strives to build a culture where everyone feels welcome and included. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Please note:

• Applicants must have the right to work in South Africa
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.
• Prior to being offered the role, you will be required to complete and pass MIE and Credit Checks.

How We Recruit:

Once we have received your application, our Talent Acquisition (TA) team aims to respond within 3 working days. The process typically includes:

1. Initial TA screening (Teams)
2. First-stage interview (Teams)
3. Second-stage interview (On-Site)

On-Site Interview - This gives you the opportunity to meet key stakeholders and experience the team and environment first hand.

Additional Information:

• Applications close on: Tuesday 17th November 2026 (we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive enough applications).

Salary range ZAR479,500 – ZAR595,500 Annually