Global Trade COE Manager

Problem solvers welcome

When you contribute to creating a Volvo car, you support advancing our mission of making life safer, simpler and more sustainable. Now, we’re on the lookout for production workers who want to be a part of a larger purpose and make a real difference in the automotive industry. So if you’re good at solving problems and like to work in a structured and focused way, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to join our diverse team. 

Job Summary:             

The purpose of the Trade Process Excellence Manager is to ensure customs compliance and exercise oversight responsibilities over the day-to-day operations relative to the import and export processes for Volvo Car in the America’s region

Principal Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction for import and export operations and compliance for Volvo Car in the America’s.
• Manage FTZ Operations and achieve operational effectiveness
• Set-up and maintain an effective trade Control Tower to achieve operational excellence
• Implement routine activities within customs operation to achieve effectiveness in terms of internal efficiency, cost efficiency and transactional efficiency.
• Develop, maintain and update compliance manuals, standard operating procedures and work instructions
• Develop methodologies to measure service provider performance and ensure operational KPI’s are being met
• Ensure adherence to corporate policies and procedures and regulatory requirements for the movement of material across international borders
• Develop and implement procedures for the tracking of import and export activities to consolidate information and enhance the reporting process
• Lead the development of system requirements for Customs System integration in other business units to realize a uniform way of working across functional entities (US and CA Sales Organization).
• Monitor the duty payment process and closely communicate with Finance to ensure the timely and accurate payment of duties
• Develop and implement mechanisms and systems to manage Volvo’s Duty Drawback programs
• Work with other Customs team groups to ensure processes are established for compliance with other strategic activities such as Product Classification, PGA Data and Trade Agreement Qualification.
• Work with the Customs Governance team to develop and implement a comprehensive self-assessment audit plan considering risk areas, operational processes and management reporting.
• Conduct and document internal audits in accordance with the audit plan for all relevant areas (e.g. US Imports, Canada Imports, FTZ etc…)
• Monitor import patterns to determine cost savings and duty avoidance opportunities relative to trade preference programs
• Exercise oversight of all customs activities including self-filing, import clearance, EEI filing, data interfaces and brokerage service provider relationships
• Monitor inquiries from Customs authorities and coordinate responses as appropriate (e.g. CF28’s, CF29’s, Audits)
• Lead, mentor and support process excellence staff in competence development as well as day-to-day activities
• Seek communication and coordinate alignment with the Global Process Excellence team as well as other Global Trade Management & Compliance functions. 

Principal Authorities

• Processes and direction for customs operations and compliance for Volvo Car in the America’s
• Oversight of day-to-day import and export operations activities
• Oversight over service provider activities and relationship management
• Responsible for operational effectiveness and ensure KPI’s are met
• Coordinate with other groups as necessary to resolve issues
• Authority to develop and implement procedural improvements
• Authority to develop and implement solutions and corrective action to secure compliance

Job Specifications:

• Knowledge of Customs regulations (15 CFR, 19 CFR, USHTS)
• Proven knowledge and experience in FTZ operations management
• Proven knowledge and experience in the filing of customs entries
• Computer literate and knowledge with Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Access
• Customs Brokerage License
• Five years Customs/Brokerage/FTZ experience
• An educational degree in logistics or similar field preferred
• Ability to quickly assess complex critical situations
• Proven abilities to perform well under pressure
• Service minded with good communication and coordination skills
• Proven knowledge and experience with customs compliance processes
• Problem-solving skills, a detailed and systematic approach to planning
• Strong management and leadership skills

Competencies/Abilities:

• The ability to communicate effectively across corporate boundaries is critical to the position. 
• Daily interfaces with external vendors and international suppliers and agents require a high level of interpersonal skills.
• Must be timely and accurate in all Customs-related matters to avoid penalties and delays in clearing shipments.
• Must remain abreast of an ever-changing regulatory environment to ensure compliance by the Companies represented by the function.
• Must be able to juggle several projects simultaneously, taking initiative in raising issues, and be committed to achieving results.
• Uses both logic and intuition to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Adjusts behavior style to match the demands of the situation.
• Knows how the organization operates, and knows its place within the larger context of the industry and marketplace.
• Listens to others; respects their differences.
• Ability to interact cross-functionally and to act in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively in team environment.
• Strong ability to organize and prioritize own work and to manage multiple tasks.
• Positive mind-set and pro-active attitude, must be a self-starter.
• Well-organized working methods and ability to report in a structured and concise format.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Additional Information:

In addition to the Volvo Car background check/investigation completed prior to hire, all Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) “Key Employees” will be required to complete a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) background check, which includes a Volvo Car background check/investigation, at least every five years. If an employee fails the background check, they will not be allowed to work as a “FTZ key employee”.

This role is considered an FTZ “Key Employee” and will require the completion of a Volvo Car background check/investigation, at least every five years.

Join Volvo Cars and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits designed with you in mind. Our programs offer choice, flexibility, and exceptional value, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and a wellness program with discounts and gifts, most of which start on day one of employment. You'll also have access to voluntary benefits and a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions. 

As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer The Family Bond by Volvo Cars, a global paid parental leave policy covering all employees, including adoptive, permanent care foster, and surrogate parents. Additionally, employees and their eligible family members can lease a new Volvo at discounted rates through the Volvo Employee Lease Program (VELP). At Volvo Cars, our benefits extend beyond the workplace to enhance your life and support your family. 

Volvo Car is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Volvo Cars - Driving change together​

Volvo Cars’ success is the outcome of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Today, we are 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, allowing you to reach your fullest potential.​