Company Description
You see things a little differently. So do we! At IKEA, we believe that what you value is more important than what your CV says. We offer positions that will challenge your skills and let you grow. Come see things a little differently with us.
The role of IKEA Supply is to supply the IKEA range at the lowest total cost, making high quality available to the customer under good social and environmental conditions. Are you passionate about the IKEA business, culture and values and want to contribute to make beautiful homes available for the many? Then this opportunity might be for you.
Job Description
In Customs and Trade Compliance, we act as a strategic partner and trusted resource to create a culture of compliance and drive the continuous pursuit of operational excellence. Our mission is to enable an agile and compliant value chain through active customs and trade facilitation, to make the IKEA vision and strategies a living reality.
We are now looking for a new colleague to join us in this exciting mission! The role as Customs Compliance Specialist will provide expertise on customs and trade requirements to support business expansion, optimization, tariff classification, free trade agreement assessments, bonded/FTZ compliance, post entry and other cross-border logistics projects. The purpose includes leveraging customs regulations and requirements to facilitate trade in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. There will be a focus on building up a network of excellence across IKEA customs regional teams designed to maximize the utilization of free trade agreements (FTA’s) in end-to-end processes and when coupled with the use of bonded and foreign trade zones.
Main responsibilities:
1. Focus on the development, implementation and effectiveness of a Free Trade Agreement network of excellence to maximize the utilization of free trade agreements in IKEA end-to-end value chain.
2. Support the development of internal competencies and ensure robust customs compliance controls and processes are in place, enabling compliant customs declarations while mitigating risks and costs associated with non-compliance for IKEA.
3. Serve as liaison with customs authorities specific for compliance activities and special regulatory procedures and programs such as free trade agreements. Provide support to IKEA Supply AG (ISAG), a wholesale subsidiary, Customs Operations team(s) and the countries assigned within a designated geographical region with regulatory requirements as needed.
4. Collaborate with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance management team to establish and maintain controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risks of non-compliance. Lead or support the resolution of customs compliance issues as they arise.
5. Together with ISAG Customs and Trade Compliance Manager or Deputy, establish and maintain compliance procedures, working methods, and systems/tools requirements relative to Free Trade Agreements and other associated compliance activities.
6. Assist Customs and Trade Compliance activities in the areas of audits, investigations, rulings, court cases, as well as single window initiatives.
7. Lead or support periodic self-reviews and audits and aid with external customs audits as needed.
8. Provide customs and trade advice to key stakeholders and projects to integrate customs and compliance into IKEA‘s value chain, delivering both compliance and cost reduction.
9. Contribute to IKEA Requirements and Compliance working groups (PRIO/CRIO) in IKEA, when needed and anchor results in working methods with ISAG, Process Development, Customs Operations and countries assigned within the region.
10. As needed, assist in defining requirements and testing for customs tools and solutions that support compliance with legal requirements. Provide support with regulatory interpretation and gap analyses of current working methods and solution configuration.
11. Build strategic relationships and networks with internal and external business partners, including Customs or Government officials/agencies, to minimize risk and maximize customs and trade benefits, supporting compliance and improving operational efficiency to lower costs.
12. In collaboration with ISAG and manager in assigned region, conduct customs-related training and education programs to enhance customs compliance awareness, knowledge and capabilities in IKEA and among suppliers relative to Free Trade Agreements.
To be successful in this role, we believe you need to have:
1. Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance including classification, valuation, country of origin, free trade agreements, bonded management and other customs related topics.
2. A comprehensive understanding of how customs functions within the value and supply chain, and how to incorporate customs and trade compliance controls into operations.
3. Proficiency in conducting compliance reviews and working with external customs audit.
4. 3 years of experience in Customs or Customs Compliance activities.
5. Strong interest in regulatory requirements and compliance, with a focus on multi-national customs and trade knowledge.
6. Enthusiastic about import/export processes and supply chain operations in a global environment.
7. Passionate about working with people and building collaborative relationships.
8. Strong analytical, investigative, and interpersonal skills.
9. A continuous learner, with an eye for detail and a curiosity to understand the “why” behind processes.
10. Motivated to drive change and discover optimal solutions.
11. Proactive in taking leadership to develop new solutions and optimize existing ones.
12. University degree in business or related field or equivalent experience.
13. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
14. Fluent in English, both written and spoken and can easily communicate complex compliance topics.
Additional Information
Please note that we only accept applications in English. We look forward to receiving your application by latest 17th March.
If you have any questions about the role, please reach out to Linda Rothfield, Deputy Customs and Trade Compliance Manager, Email: linda.rothfield@inter.ikea.com. For questions about the recruitment process, feel free to connect with Anglaé Milanczyk, P&C Generalist, Email: anglae.milanczyk22@inter.ikea.com. #J-18808-Ljbffr