Awad Alshamrani

Strategic Policy & Regulatory Development

• Conducted a comprehensive financial impact study on customs service fees for bonded zones, informing policy decisions and supporting financial sustainability.
• Identified and resolved regulatory gaps in the Apple Special Logistics Zone, ensuring operational continuity and compliance through proactive issue management and continuous follow-up.
• Reviewed and updated operational guidelines for bonded zones within Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including detailed customs procedures.
• Supervised the development and integration of the Unified Violation Manual for deposit zones, aligning it with the national customs violation’s framework.

Stakeholder Engagement & Operational Optimization

• Led and facilitated over 30 meetings with key stakeholders to identify operational challenges and opportunities for improvement across bonded zones and special zones.
• Directed technical workshops with zone operators to gather and prioritize system requirements for the new Bonded Zone Management System.
• Spearheaded the documentation and publication of internal procedural manuals, standardizing operational workflows across bonded zones.

Bonded Zone System Modernization

• Oversaw the end-to-end development process of the new Deposit Zone Management System:
• Conducted comprehensive needs assessments and user story development in collaboration with internal stakeholders and the Digital Transformation Office (DTO).
• Contributed to DTO’s nationwide transformation initiative by reviewing, redesigning, and optimizing user journeys and procedures related to bonded zone operations.
• Led the alignment of technical documentation across sectors.
• Secured executive-level budget approval and managed the RFP process, including handling vendor inquiries and clarifications.

• Governance & Executive Support
  Prepared strategic reports, presentation decks, and formal minutes for high-level steering, executive, and international committee meetings—ensuring effective communication, informed decision-making, and cross-border alignment.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Alignment
  Led the facilitation of 20+ multi-agency stakeholder meetings to assess current challenges, explore new opportunities, and enhance the overall value of the AEO program.
  Built strong working relationships with national and international partners to promote collaboration and expand program adoption.
• Program Incentive Development
  Conducted in-depth analysis and contributed to the approval of 50+ new incentive features, significantly enhancing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the AEO program for private sector participants.
• Strategic Branding & Global Positioning
  Oversaw the development of the AEO program’s brand identity and global communication strategy, aligning it with international standards and elevating its visibility and credibility on a global scale.
• Performance Management & Program Governance
  Designed and implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) and eligibility benchmarks to ensure consistent evaluation and transparent onboarding of AEO participants.
  Contributed to the establishment of governance structures and operational procedures to support program scalability and sustainability.

• System Enhancements & Operational Optimization
  Led the development and rollout of key enhancements to the Bonded Zones system, streamlining critical operations including manufacturing, repair, destruction, and goods consumption.
  Oversaw the creation of a real-time Performance Monitoring Dashboard, improving visibility and decision-making across bonded zone operations.
• Regulatory Development & Cross-Agency Collaboration
  Authored and published the second edition of the Bonded Zones Rules and Regulations, aligning policy with evolving operational needs.
  Co-developed the Customs Regulation and Customs Procedures Guide for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in partnership with the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA).
  Developed the Special Integrated Logistics Zone Operations Guide in collaboration with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), providing a unified operational reference for stakeholders.
• Investor Engagement & Capacity Building
  Conducted orientation workshops for key local and international investors, fostering transparency, regulatory awareness, and investor confidence in bonded zone operations.

• Business Process Optimization & Operational Excellence
  Developed, reviewed, and audited business processes to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational performance, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
  Participated in the design of KPI dashboards to monitor business performance and ensure alignment with strategic targets.
• Quality Assurance & Engineering Project Oversight
  Led cross-functional teams in auditing the quality and effectiveness of standard implementation across engineering and operational processes.
  Supervised field engineering projects to ensure full compliance with design specifications, industry codes, and regulatory standards.
  Conducted functionality testing for operational equipment and ensured smooth handover from testing to full-scale production.
  Reviewed technical designs, reports, and plans to verify conformance with project requirements.
• Safety Leadership & Risk Management
  Developed and implemented comprehensive safety and quality control plans, including risk assessments and incident prevention strategies.
  Conducted and participated in incident investigations, identified root causes, and implemented lessons learned across teams.
  Designed and led emergency drills for various scenarios (e.g., fires, spills, and accidents) to strengthen organizational preparedness.
  Created safety education materials, boosting workforce engagement and awareness of best practices.
  Collaborated with internal teams and external entities (e.g., regulatory bodies, insurers) to ensure unified, compliant safety strategies.
  Ensured adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements through regular audits, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Strategic Planning & Community Engagement
  Assisted leadership in defining and refining safety performance objectives, integrating them into the broader operational strategy.
  Led and participated in community awareness initiatives to enhance public understanding and support of safety and environmental programs.