Manager Customs Import

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Management of the operational activities of the import team / customs broker. Ensure on-time import customs clearance of all import consignments in compliance with customs regulations to ensure on-time delivery, as well as maximising customs saving opportunities.

Maintaining relationship with NL Customs as well as supporting the Director Customs Europe North in customs audits and projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of customs operations and ensuring the timely customs clearance by the customs broker
• Organisation of daily operations, resource planning.
• Collaborate with inbound teams on shipment prioritisation and clearance scheduling.
• Manage preference savings and ensure set KPIs are achieved.
• Developing and implementing process, procedures, and controls to support ongoing compliance management.
• To be the escalation contact person for when operational day-to-day queries or identified issues; resource management, incorrect / delayed documents, systems, 3PLs, relating to customs imports, cannot be resolved with the team/team lead structure.
• To manage / oversee the integrity of data capture, reporting, reconciliation (comparison report), and resolving identified issues regarding the daily operational activities of the import team.
• Clarifying problem cases (e.g. in the case of customs inspections) with forwarders and customs offices
• Coordination with brokers and forwarding agents in case of clearance delays.
• Contact person for the main customs office, for the submission of documents, refund applications, etc.
• Support and / or take the lead with customs audits.
• Support and / or lead projects in consultation with Director Customs Europe North

Key Relationships:

• Customs Brokers / Third Party Service Providers
• Inbound Planning Teams
• Global and Market Customs teams
• Global and Market Supply Chain Management teams
• Global and Market IT
• Customs Authorities
• Customs Brokers / Third Party Service Providers

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work and deliver within a complex, dynamic, multi-diverse stakeholder environment whilst adhering to strict and / or conflicting deadlines
• Good knowledge in customs-, foreign trade- and origin-/preference legislation (focus on import)
• Demonstrated business reasoning, analytical and critical thinking
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) – experience of communicating with, and influencing stakeholders at all levels desirable
• Ability to foster and maintain excellent collaborative working relationships
• Good user knowledge of Duty Management Systems

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• A degree from an accredited college or university, with a focus on Logistics, Supply Chain and Business Administration, or equivalent experience in customs business
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a customs department in an international company
• Fluent in English and Dutch (both spoken and written)