Lead Customs Operations Specialist

Customs is a team of experts delivering import and export operations management for GEV Power Conversion by driving execution of the Customs processes and GEV Policies. The Lead Customs Operations Specialist will be responsible to deliver on time and compliant customs clearance through regular touchpoints with the broker and GEV stakeholders and partners to ensure customer satisfaction and fulfilment of our Incoterms. The job allows modification of procedures and practices covering work as long as the end results meet standards of acceptability (quality, volume, timeliness etc.).

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Customs operational support for Power Conversion including guidance, assistance, and advice to the Power Conversion business in support of their import and export activities and lead initiatives to drive upstream process improvement and rigor
• Adherence to existing GEV best practices and policies.
• Manage daily operations with the broker, GEV stakeholders and BPO to ensure engagement is established and communicate with relevant internal parties for incomplete documents or discrepancies in documents
• Own project governance and operating rhythms; ensure effective communications, reporting and reviews at all levels of the organization, pre-Entry / Live Shipment Support & Escalation Resolution and manage escalations for non-response to HTS questions and data requirements
• Manage strategic Customs Agents, develop operational rhythms to monitor all third-party managed activities and drive ongoing process improvement
• Provide guidance and implementation of Customs regulations, and other government agency requirements affecting imports and exports in the region
• Identify Customs risks areas and evaluate related internal controls, develop actionable plans and procedures to reasonably mitigate and address identified risks
• Lead efforts to manage operational compliance with all import/export activities to meet all country compliance requirements; maintain GEV’s ability to participate in any relevant special programs or other related activities
• Manage all operational metrics and lead strategic initiatives to improve cost, compliance, and speed metrics
• Assist in performing customs broker invoice reviews and audits, drive Root-cause analysis and corrective actions upstream
• Act as the focal point of contact for escalations and issue resolution related to customs operations & compliance
• Follow EHS directives and/or advise others to fully comply with them
• Immediately report any incidents or near misses to the direct reports and EHS department
• Immediately shut down the operation if it endangers life or a risk of serious injury is present
• Further tasks not involved in this Job Description that the immediate leader/manager assigns verbally or in writing
• Have a comprehensive understanding of customs regulations, Origins, valuation, tariffs, and laws in order to ensure that all imports and exports comply with government regulations
• Provide guidance on filling legal protests for refunds/customs claim recoveries, obtaining customs rulings, and other regulatory matters.
• Keep up to date on new and evolving regulations affecting operations and liaise with business and operational units.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders, and work under pressure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a relevant field from an accredited university or college, or a high school degree with relevant work experience in customs operations
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing Customs Operations in Saudi Arabia
• Strong knowledge in requirements for Other Government Agency Approvals (OGA)
• Experience in temporary import process & bank guarantee recovery
• Fluent in English and Arabic (oral and written)
• Ability to cover multiple locations in Saudi Arabia
• The legal right to work in KSA without company sponsorship or time restriction

Desired Characteristics

• In country professional Customs Certification or accreditation
• Knowledge in Free Trade Agreements and ATA Carnet usage
• Demonstrated compliance mindset
• Wing to wing expertise across customs processes
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate multiple / large projects; provide direction and leadership to a network of resources; establish clear and robust goals & achievable project plans & deliverables
• Demonstrate strong communication skills; strategic thinking and inclusiveness; able to work in an ambiguous environment
• Experience leading significant projects and demonstrated leadership characteristics in developing and leading high-performance teams
• Demonstrated ability to use knowledge, experience, and instinct to make accurate and timely decisions
• Demonstrated ability of working with all levels of internal and external organizations
• Project Management or quality experience with Six Sigma Certification
• Experience leading significant projects and demonstrated leadership characteristics in developing and leading high-performance teams
• Demonstrate strong communication skills; strategic thinking and inclusiveness; able to work in an ambiguous environment

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No