Senior Customs Specialist, (VCK)

Everything we do starts with people.

Our human-centric focus is what makes us different from all other car companies, and it’s at the heart of everything we create. If you want to join us in our mission to make people’s lives less complicated, we offer you a chance to grow together with talented people who want to make a true difference.

The EMEA Center of Excellence is responsible for imports, exports, and transits for goods arriving to and departing from the Swedish factories in Gothenburg, Olofström, and our consolidation centers in Gothenburg, Gent, Czech Republic, Spain, and Great Britain. We are a part of the Global Process Excellence Team with colleagues in Belgium, China, and the United States. Our team is in the middle of a journey aiming at taking the next steps in development, so you will therefore have a great opportunity to be part of forming and setting efficient and standardized processes, focusing on securing excellent service towards our stakeholders. As part of our strategy, we aim to transform the way we work to facilitate the efficient movement of goods across borders through streamlined customs clearance processes. As a member of our innovative, “best in class” team you will work to simplify import and export clearance routines to ensure prompt product delivery while controlling cost, maximizing the use of special trade programs, and adhering to regulatory requirements. Volvo Cars Customs is utilizing multiple customs procedures and regimes in the course of our business. You will therefore be working with Outward Processing Relief, End-Use, Suspensions, Quotas Inward Processing Relief etc.

Within Slovakia, this is a relatively new role necessitated by the new production facility in Slovakia. For the right candidate, this represents a unique opportunity to secure a career in the automotive sector with one of the fastest-growing premium brands. Flexibility and a can-do attitude are required as this role will be responsible for maintaining a strong customs compliance presence in Slovakia. Adaptability is key and while the short-term focus will be on securing and optimizing new routines in Slovakia, this role will closely collaborate with colleagues globally to deliver on our strategic ambitions. This includes process design/improvement, broker management, cost reduction, internal auditing and compliance assurance relating to import and export activities within the EU.

What you'll do:

• Be responsible for all customs activities relating to Slovakia and serve as the local subject matter expert on all Trade (import/export) requirements;
• Work locally to ensure all local customs requirements are designed into the way of working and are aligned globally;
• Have the opportunity to work collaboratively on global projects with the Global Trade Management and Compliance team outside of Slovakia;
• Serve as the local subject matter expert on Trade issues and work with the relevant authorities, Logistics teams, and plant personnel to ensure efficiency and compliance are designed into the process from the start;
• Implement import and export processes in Slovakia which are standardized and aligned globally;
• Evaluate existing global processes using interviews, workshops, documents, analysis, surveys, user scenarios, process maps, task and workflow analysis with the purpose of improving the outcome locally; 
• Perform root cause analysis and drive changes that are necessary for continuous improvement;
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Customs Authorities and other official organizations;
• Secure compliant use of trade agreements and customs procedures to deliver on our ambition of zero wasted duties;
• Implement an internal audit and reporting processes to secure continuous compliance with all customs regulatory requirements;
• As the customs expert, provide ad-hoc customs advice to all relevant stakeholders needing to import or export goods;
• Keep informed of regulatory changes and align with operational processes; 
• Implement processes to facilitate the self-filing of customs declarations; 
• Demonstrate control of the business by implementing data analytics and business intelligence;
• Manage the broker relationships and participate in RFQ’s to secure the best operational costs position for Volvo;
• Support management of operational KPI’s on the country level and apply corrective and preventive measures;
• Investigate and/or escalate potential savings and duty optimizations;
• Act as mentor or coach to business stakeholders by providing training and guidance on redesigned, optimized, and streamlined processes;
• Manage and coordinate all customs projects for Slovakia, working with Global Trade Management and Compliance, internal and external stakeholders to include but not limited to: AEO authorization, MIC interface developments to support UCC changes, Changes to goods distribution flows (cars and parts), RFQ exercises;
• Management of external customs broker engaged to undertake clearance activities;
• Strong network building encompassing Global Trade Management and Compliance, Outbound Logistics, Customer Service, Finance, customs brokers and other stakeholders involved in the process;
• Ongoing and proactive review of customs activities in conjunction with other stakeholders to optimize processes and maximize opportunities for Volvo in the areas of tariffs, trade agreements, special procedures, and operational costs.

What you'll bring:

• Preferred completed university education in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; 
• Subject matter expertise backed up with relevant hands-on experience (not necessarily automotive) in customs-related tasks, global trade (import/export), and a solid understanding of the customs declaration process;
• Familiarity with MIC Customs application; 
• Experience in process development, stakeholder management and change management; 
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills as well as ability to demonstrate ownership; 
• Understanding of data analytics (Power BI, Tableau); 
• A collaborative nature with experience in building relationships; 
• Situational adaptability in an environment with shifting demands; 
• Ability to figure out processes to get things done with a focus on continuous improvement; 
• Project Management skills and experience and an agile attitude; 
• Fluent in English, written and spoken as well as the Slovak language;
• Ability and willingness to travel within Europe sporadically, although based in Kosice, Slovakia.

How to learn more and apply?

Does this sound like your next challenge? Are you eager to join us? Then apply via the link in the advert with an attached CV in English. Please keep in mind that we recruit continuously for different shops. Due to GDPR, we do not accept applications via e-mail.

Salary for this position starting from 2.800 EUR, per month, brutto.

* The salary amount represents the minimum guaranteed amount of the basic salary component applicable to the job. Final salary is negotiable and will be adjusted in accordance with seniority level and previous experience of candidate. In addition to the monthly salary, there is also a 13th salary paid in an aliquot amount and a performance bonus depending on the company's financial results and individual performance.

Who are we?

Everything we do starts with people. Our purpose is to provide freedom to move, in a personal, sustainable and safe way. We are committed to simplifying our customers’ lives by offering better technology solutions that improve their impact on the world and bringing the most advanced mobility innovations to protect them, their loved ones and the people around them. 

Volvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. The people of Volvo Cars are committed to making a difference in our world. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. We believe in bringing out the best in each other and harnessing the true power of people. At Volvo Cars your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential. Join us on a journey of a lifetime as we create safety, autonomous driving and electrification technologies of tomorrow.