Manager: Tariff Classification

Job Title: Manager: Tariff Classification Position Reports to : Sen. Manager: Customs Legislative Interpretation Division : Taxpayer Engagement Location : Pretoria Advert Closing Date : 18 September 2026 About the Position SARS is making an exciting opportunity available for a highly skilled, experienced and results driven Manager: Tariff Classification with sound judgement, strong business acumen and who ideally displays an ability to operate under independently. The manager is expected to contribute towards our higher purpose and service orientation by interpreting and applying tax law in regard to Customs Legislation (Tariff). Finally, s/he will lead a team of like-minded individuals focussing on selected projects intended to not only assist in reducing the tax gap but also in supporting governments tax compliance strategy. Job Purpose To monitor, manage and control the functions of the sub-section dealing with the Tariff Classification. To provide technical and functional advice to all SARS offices with regard to tariffs classification. The function of the tariff classification sub-unit is to deal with classification of goods, issuing tariff determinations and to provide technical and functional advice to all SARS and External Stakeholders with regard to tariff Classification of goods . Education and Experience Minimum Qualification & Experience Required Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in LLB, Finance, Economics, Commerce and 8 - 10 years' experience in Customs and Excise Operations dealing with tariff classification related matters or Tariff Classification (Consulting), of which 3 - 4 years at a junior management level. OR Senior Certificate (NQF 4) and 15 years’ experience in Customs and Excise Environment dealing with tariff classification related matters or Tariff Classification (Consulting), of which 3 - 4 years at a junior management level. Minimum Functional Requirements Tax, Customs and Excise Acts Job Outputs: Process Act as the bottom-line drivers of tactical implementation within the context of business unit excellence and performance improvement. (I) Build strong relationships through providing specialist know-how and leadership to others, expressing positive expectations. Conduct assessments and use information to advise, make recommendations and facilitate improvement. Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements. (I) Ensure the development and implementation of a practice in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks. (I) Implement tactical strategy and delivery plans through the development of operational activities, ensuring the achievement of operational targets. (I) Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities and specify priorities, standards and procedures to ensure tactical implementation. (I) Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives, implementing best practice solutions. Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately. (I) Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and execute the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation. (I) Timeously communicate top-down policy modification, objective achievement progress and critical success factors to impacted stakeholders. Use judgement in overcoming implementation and delivery obstacles in order to ensure the achievement of set objectives. Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success and realign tactical strategy implementation objectives appropriately. (I) Governance Implement governance, risk and compliance policy in own practice area to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability. (I) Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in a specific functional area. (I) People Develop and implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery and efficiency targets, on budget and in partnership with specialised area. (I) Plan and implement enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements and providing tools for people resources. (I) Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems and achieve objectives. (I) Finance Draw up a budget aligned to tactical delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency. (I) Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability. Client Build strong relationships and implement service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders. (I) Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service. (I) Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.(I) Behavioural competencies Fairness and Transparency (V) Analytical Thinking Accountability Honesty and Integrity Trust Respect Problem Solving and Analysis Leadership Competencies Ability to translate strategy into execution Concern for Impact of own behaviour on others Develops teams and nurtures interdependency Inspires others to Positive Action Nurtures Future Talent Stewardship and Service Orientation Strong Results Orientation Values and Manages Diversity Technical competencies Change Management Decisiveness Effective Business Communication Functional Policies and Procedures Business Acumen Legal Knowledge and knowledge of ethics Customs Knowledge Managerial Budgeting Planning and Organising Planning, Management and Measurement Policy Development Problem Analysis and Judgement Tax Knowledge Tariff and Classification (CUSTOMS EU FRAMEWORK) Legal Advisory and Interpretation Legal Compliance Compliance Competency GOC Confidential - (a) Sensitive Information Employment Equity The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable.