South African Revenue Services (SARS) Ops Manager: Customs Vacancy 2026
South African Revenue Services (SARS)
General / Other
More South African Revenue Services (SARS) posts →Monthly stipend
Not stated
Closing date
07 Sept 2026
6 days left
- Opportunity
- Permanent
- Minimum education
- Degree (NQF 7)
- Location
- Cape Town, Western Cape
- Posted
- 01 Sept 2026
Sourced via the GovPage vacancy bulletin, last confirmed there by our scraper on 1 September 2026.
The apply link goes directly to career2.successfactors.eu — applications never pass through SetaJobs.
We rewrite adverts for readability; the closing date, requirements and application method come from the source advert — confirm them there before you apply. How we source listings →
Opportunity Overview
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and dynamic Operations Manager for its Customs division. This opportunity is available in Cape Town (Western Cape) and Beitbridge (Limpopo).
The successful candidate will provide leadership and ensure that all Customs border processes and functions are executed legitimately according to Customs & Excise legislation and Standard Operating Procedures. This role is specifically within Customs Cargo, including Mail Centre Operations.
Minimum Requirements
- Option 1:
- Bachelor’s Degree/Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Business Management, International Trade, or a related field.
- 5-7 years' experience in Customs.
- At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
- Experience in Ports of Entry operations is an added advantage.
- Option 2:
- Senior Certificate (NQF 4).
- 10 years’ experience in Customs.
- At least 1 year of supervisory experience.
- Experience in Ports of Entry operations is an added advantage.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Zero tolerance for corruption.
- Available to work flexible operational hours.
- Maintain professionalism when dealing with internal and external stakeholders and clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and align the functional operating model and value chain in relation to the organisational mandate, in partnership with stakeholders.
- Consult with clients or stakeholders on complex issues and provide technical advice on relevant legislation.
- Provide input into and implement the functional strategy for the business unit.
- Manage and sustain corporate governance activities, including AG, Internal Audit, QMS, Office Assurance, and Management Control Programmes.
- Report frequently on the progress of the unit and team against pre-defined objectives and standards.
- Accumulate information for reporting on work progress, decision-making, and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Apply discretion and judgement to diagnose problems and provide solutions.
- Deploy resources appropriately and resolve problems to achieve tactical targets within agreed deadlines and standards.
- Ensure procedures, policies, and mandates are clearly understood and complied with.
- Ensure the development, alignment, and implementation of end-to-end processes within the area of accountability.
- Link and communicate unit objectives back to the mandate, schedule, prioritise activities, and allocate work.
- Manage a work function or unit by focusing on delivery and achievement of objectives within specified time frames, costs, and standards.
- Plan and organise multiple work outputs by assigning priorities and continuously reviewing objectives and goals.
- Provide input into the development of the tactical strategy and implement a supporting operational strategy.
- Apply discretion and judgment in making decisions and overcoming obstacles.
- Implement change and provide guidelines to direct reports regarding the impact of change and new requirements.
- Implement resource plans.
What the Work Involves
As an Operations Manager for Customs, you will be based at a Port of Entry in either Cape Town or Beitbridge, managing the day-to-day operations of Customs Cargo, including Mail Centre activities. Your role involves overseeing internal operations and resources within the Customs division, reporting directly to the Manager: Customs. You will be responsible for ensuring that all processes comply with legislation and standard operating procedures, working closely with various internal and external stakeholders. This environment requires a professional who can handle pressure, maintain a strong stance against corruption, and adapt to flexible working hours to deliver on operational plans and enhance service delivery.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the SARS career portal.
- Visit the application link: https://career2.successfactors.eu/career?career_ns=job_listing&company=southafr01&navBarLevel=JOB_SEARCH&rcm_site_locale=en_GB&career_job_req_id=11517&selected_lang=en_GB&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&browserTimeZone=Africa%2FJohannesburg&_s.crb=oeDm48ddcY4oSzerwlr4nf8T03moeBkOn0GN6qm6vWE%3D
- Follow the instructions on the SARS career portal to complete your application.
The closing date for applications is 07 September 2026.
This listing in context
What the 326 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live permanent posts
- 130
- In Western Cape
- 12
- Closing within 7 days
- 5
25% of the 130 live permanent posts we hold ask for Degree (NQF 7), so this listing asks for what most of them ask for.
Live permanent posts stay open for a median of 13 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 326 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 34 opportunities in Western Cape.
What you'll need to apply
Municipalities, state-owned companies and public entities each run their own process, mostly on their own application form rather than the Z83 — use a Z83 only where this advert asks for one. Send exactly what it lists.
- The employer’s own application form
- Your CV
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of any qualifications
What this kind of post involves
A permanent post is ongoing employment with no end date, carrying full benefits and, in the public service, a defined salary level with annual notch progression. These are advertised competitively and the selection process is considerably more formal than for programme placements.
How the selection usually runs
- Applications are screened against the stated minimum requirements first, mechanically — not meeting one is fatal regardless of the rest of your application.
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel, and for many posts a competency assessment or practical exercise follows.
- Verification of qualifications, criminal record and references happens before an offer, and it is a common point of delay.
What you leave with
Ongoing employment with benefits, and in government a position on a salary scale with a defined progression path.
Where this leads next
Notch progression within your level
Satisfactory annual performance assessment.
The next salary level up
Competing for an advertised post at that level — levels are attached to posts, not to people.
Supervisory or management post
Experience at the level below, plus the qualification the higher post specifies.
A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.
Watch out for this
The screening is mechanical and happens before anyone reads your CV: the advert’s own application instructions are applied as written, and an incomplete or unsigned form is discarded whatever the rest of the application says.
About the General / Other sector
This is an entry-level opportunity. Browse SetaJobs by sector and province to find more roles that match your qualifications.
