Senior Trade Specialist - Customs, (VCK)

Be a part of the electric future of Volvo Cars

It’s crystal clear: the actions we take in the next few years will significantly impact our future. We’re committed to transforming the automotive industry and leading in electrification. To make sure we deliver on our big plans, we’ll need to expand our current manufacturing footprint. That’s why we’ve decided to open a new state-of-the-art electric only car factory – and this time we’re expanding in Košice, Slovakia. 

The new plant will only use climate neutral energy and be designed to be a leader in sustainable and efficient premium electric car production. We will optimize layout and logistics flow to achieve the highest global standards in energy and environmental efficiency.

The EMEA Center of Excellence is responsible for imports, exports, and transits for goods arriving to and departing from factories and consolidation centers. We are a part of the Global Process Excellence Team with colleagues in Belgium, China, and the United States. 
As a member of our team, you will work to simplify import and export clearance routines to ensure prompt 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 new role necessitated by the new production facility in Košice. This represents a unique opportunity to secure a career in the automotive sector with one of the fastest-growing premium brands, while being the key person in building up our Slovak capabilities, establishing our relationship with local and national authorities.
We consider this a senior role already on day one with high expectations on your ability to define the actions that need to be taken, the correct approach to challenges, the ability and willingness to challenge both the Global Trade Team and the local Manufacturing team to ensure that we get the result that is ultimately best for the company and a significant experience in Global Trade.

It is our expectation that you will be a strategic partner who will attract the future team in Slovakia, with the prospect of leading this team. 

Place of work:
We strongly prefer a local candidate, but we are ready to discuss the possibility of remote work with a commute to Kosice several times a month for meetings with local stakeholders.

Who will you report to?
The main reporting line leads to Senior Manager EMEA Process Excellence.
 
What will you do?

• Be the Expert: serve as the local subject matter expert on all Trade (import/export) requirements, collaborating with local authorities, logistics teams, brokers, and plant personnel to ensure seamless and compliant operations from the get-go;
• Global Standards, Local Impact: Implement standardized import and export processes in Slovakia, aligning them with our global practices;
• Innovate and Improve: Evaluate and enhance existing global processes through interviews, workshops, and various analytical methods to achieve superior local outcomes;
• Continuous Improvement: Conduct root cause analysis and drive necessary changes for ongoing enhancement;
• Primary Contact: Act as the main liaison for customs authorities at both local and national levels;
• Optimize and Save: Ensure compliant use of trade agreements and customs procedures to achieve our goal of zero wasted duties;
• Audit and Report: Establish internal audit and reporting processes to maintain continuous compliance with customs regulations;
• Customs Advisor: Provide expert, ad-hoc customs advice to stakeholders involved in importing or exporting goods;
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of regulatory changes and align them with our operational processes;
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize data analytics and business intelligence to demonstrate control over business operations;
• Mentor and Coach: Provide training and guidance to business stakeholders on redesigned, optimized, and streamlined processes.

What will you 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 and global trade (import/export), ideally from the consulting side of customs, as well as a solid understanding of EU Customs, Customs declaration, and MIC Customs application process;
• 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); 
• An affinity for leadership as well as 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; 
• Fluent in English, written and spoken as well as the Slovak language.

How to 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. Once your application is successfully submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Due to GDPR, we do not accept applications via e-mail.
 
Base Monthly Salary (Gross) for this position starts from 2.900 EUR.
* 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.
 
Additional benefits:

• 13th salary;
• Annual Volvo Bonus depending on performance and company's financial results;
• Contribution for Supplementary Pension Savings (lll. Pillar);
• Employee Share Matching Programme;
• Contribution for meals exceeding legal requirements;
• Compensation for dioptric glasses & contact lenses beyond the legal requirements;
• Life insurance for cases of loss of life, disability, work injury.

Volvo Cars – driving change together

Volvo Cars’ success is the result of a collaborative, diverse and inclusive working environment. Today, we’re one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with around 43,000 employees across the globe. At Volvo Cars, your career is designed around your skills and aspirations, so you can reach your fullest potential.

And it’s so exciting – we’re well on our way on our journey towards full electrification. We have five fully electric cars already on the market, and five more on the way. Our fully-electric and plug-in hybrid cars combined make up almost 50 per cent of our sales. So come and join us in shaping the future of mobility. There’s never been a more rewarding time to play your part in our inspiring and creative teams!