Customs Specialist

Fulltime, 38hrs per week

Customs plays an essential role within Action’s growth ambitions for Direct Import. The customs team plays an essential role in ensuring a smooth import process for our containers, limiting out of stock risk for our stores. 

Next to the import process for Direct Import the Customs team will also be responsible for the daily export/import declarations for Non-EU cross-border store deliveries. The team will ensure that export and import declarations will be made on-time so this will not be restricting factor for store deliveries.
 

Purpose of the job

The Customs Specialist is an important link in the Customs team. He/she is responsible for supporting and executing customs formalities that are required for the import, transit and export of goods.  He/she informs the internal and external stakeholders, including the customs agents, about these customs formalities and makes sure that everyone is up to date. On top of that the Customs specialist will have a key role in project management and driving operational excellence within the customs domain.
 

Purpose of the Job

• Reduce amount of tariffs / duties paid by applying better use of the Harmonized System
• Coordinate and manage day to day process and issues regarding the customs related activities for the import of our Direct Import containers
• Ensure a high level of data quality for the export/import process for store deliveries in non-EU countries
• Coach, train and develop internal stakeholders and departments
• Participate in projects and initiatives by providing expert customs knowledge 
   

This is your daily action

• Process customs in accordance with the applicable laws and legislation and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Support in regular communication with customs authorities across different countries 
• Conduct quality control on completed customs formalities by 3rd parties
• Advise Buying teams on optimizing Harmonized Schedule code
• If needed, gather and evaluate documents as minimum requirement for clearance
• Solve day to day issues related to the customs domain.
• Safeguard and monitor customs processes and procedures in order for Action to stay compliant to the different local customs laws and regulations.
• Handling claims and submitting requests for (refund) payment
• Execute checks and balances on customs internal invoices and invoices from 3rd parties
• Support in checking the operational performance / KPIs of 3rd party services providers in the customs domain
• Keep informed about the relevant legislation and regulation and operational developments in the customs domain
• Provide suggestions and implementation plans for operational improvements and process optimizations
• Manage internal stakeholders by communicating with the different departments impacted by customs (a.o. Buying, Commercial Operations, Inbound Logistics, Tax, Finance)
• Execute in internal administrative processes for customs
• Support in fulfilling the administrative requirements for Audits from external parties
• Supervise and assist in such matters as classification of goods, origin, customs valuation and trade compliance
• Participate as project team member in long-term improvement projects in the customs domain, for example:
  • Facilitate customs requirements for Switzerland entry
  • Optimization and contract renewals of 3rd party services providers
  • Selection of 3rd party automation / IT tooling for customs
  • Implementation and optimization of customs finance process (duties vs reservations)
  • Application process for AEO certification
• Manage and operational execution of audit requests from external parties including first point of contact

This is you

• Graduate of Bachelor's Degree in Customs Administration / Logistics / Business / Finance.
• 3-5 years working experience in customs related domain
• Experience in cross-functional cooperation 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Good knowledge and experience in operational implementation of customs legislation and regulation in processes
• Basic knowledge of Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Customs regulations
• Eager to learn and eager to keep up to date with customs related developments and changes
• Advanced English Proficiency
• Be organized and responsive.
• Excellent administration skills and an eye for detail.
• Demonstrates a high level of pragmatism.
• Cost-conscious considering all involved cost

What we offer

• An annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Long Term incentive
• A company laptop and mobile phone 
• 24 days holidays and the option to buy 5 extra days (based on 38 hours per week)
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working up to 20% from home, of course in coordination with your team and manager
• A good pension scheme, collective health insurance and travel expenses allowance
• Extensive education and training at our own Action Academy 
• Dynamic, international organization with lots of opportunities to grow.
• Zwaagdijk-Oost is traffic jam-free and only 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam

How we contribute to society

As a retailer with millions of enthusiastic customers, we take our responsibility for people and the environment. That is why we invest in solutions that reduce the impact on the environment and ensure better production conditions in the countries where we operate and manufacture. Click here for more information.
 

Interested?

Are you ready to take Action? Apply now.

Curious what’s next?

1. Our recruiter will review your application and will get back to you asap. 
2. We’ll invite you for a first job interview. 
3. We’d like to get to know you better. That’s why we will ask you to take an online assessment. 
4. We’ll invite you for a second interview to discuss your assessment. 
5. Are we still a great match? Then we will become new colleagues!