Customs and International Trade Manager

The Customs Manager will have responsibility for the end-to-end import/export processes pertaining to the flow of components into and out of the manufacturing plant based in Slovakia.
They will ensure that proper, robust, efficient processes are in place to identify and manage all import/export requirements for all countries relating to manufacturing activities in Slovakia and be responsible for collating and validating all required import/export information to be drawn from various functions across the JLR business and the wider supplier base.
Within their market they will also be responsible for “Horizon Scanning” all changes to relevant Customs and International Trade operations and ensure this is fed into the Central team to ensure that on a global basis JLR remains wholly compliant with the relevant legislation.

Main responsibilities:
• Researching, identifying and understanding all import/export requirements relating to the supply of goods from all countries into the Slovakian manufacturing plant
• Investigate, report on and develop effective duty mitigation strategies to ensure the best possible financial position for JLR in market following agreement with the International Trade and Customs manager. Areas for consideration include (but are not limited to) Inwards Processing, Outwards Processing, End Use relief and utilisation of EU preferential trade schemes (e.g. EU – South Korean FTA)
• Manage an efficient and effective import Customs function in market to ensure delivery of imported components to plant in line with production schedules
• Communicating import/export requirements and their importance to relevant areas of the wider JLR business
• Creating and implementing clear processes, in collaboration with the International Trade and Customs Manager, to manage and collate all information required for import/export operations of the Slovakian manufacturing operation
• Taking a pro-active role in validating all import/export information provided by other areas of the JLR business and suppliers and urgently addressing/escalating any areas of concern or weakness, including leading cross-functional meetings to resolve issues;
• Key internal interfaces will be the wider JLR Purchasing team, Material Planning & Logistics, Product Development, Manufacturing, Marketing & Sales, Trading Division. Key external interfaces will be with JLR’s supplier base and the local Customs Authorities where necessary
• Building and developing an effective network of contacts across the JLR business to support the operation of all aspects of the Slovakian manufacturing import/export activities
• Writing standard operating procedures to record the import/export activities of After Market Sales where they impact upon customs regimes and reviewing said with the International Trade and Customs Manager
• Conducting regular risk assessments in relation to import/export operations and identifying contingency plans where necessary
• Developing and delivering regular progress reports/presentations to communicate status of import/export operations and driving actions within functions
• Support the International Trade and Customs Manager in identifying any customs related market risks, opportunities and determining best practice, including Horizon Scanning for new legislation that may affect the local business

• Extensive experience of international import/export

operations

• Strong project management, coordination and

organisational skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Pro-active, enthusiastic, self-starter
• Willingness/ability to undertake international travel