Trade Compliance specialist

The incumbent is expected to be part of a team accountable for customs operations in Europe.  Activities may include free trade agreement program management, tariff classification, maintenance of customs data in trade tools, management of daily brokerage questions and participating government agency data, creation and documentation of long-term supplier declarations and other certifications as required, audits of import and export processes and documentation, recordkeeping and special projects.  This person will be responsible for the following key areas: Working knowledge of, & ability to apply laws and regulations related to trade compliance business activity in the EU; must be proficient working with, and the requirements of, EU in and outbound preferential trade agreements; must be proficient working with compliance software and SAP; and classification of internationally shipped goods (multiple countries of import and export).

Context and Scope:

Execute Compliance Activities

• Execute Mars import/export compliance program - activities may include, but are not limited to, import and export operations, and assignment of tariff classifications to machinery, finished goods, raw materials, packaging, special projects, etc.   Ensure classifications are fully supported through documentation of GRI's and trade research.    Leverage cross-functional relationships and network to gain information to enable quality decision making on HTS.
• Application of customs regulations across EU and UK, including required government reporting.
• Maintenance of customs and other agency data within Trade Software or compliance tools.
• Analyze manufacturing and purchase details to determine eligibility for preference programs and ensure record retention requirements are met. Solicit suppliers for preference documentation.
• Generate FTA certificates and sign long term supplier declarations.
• Execute cross border operations as required to support customs brokers requests for information, business escalations, and other operational activities
• Implement special projects as identified/defined by Sr. Specialist or others.
• Continue skill development in import/export operations, trade compliance and regulatory issues.
• Identify continuous improvement and cost avoidance measures for import/export shipments

Audits:

• Conduct regular audits of tariff classification, FTA data, and broker submitted documentation such as customs entries or export submissions.
• Monitor procedures used by Mars manufacturing facilities, selling entities, and vendors to ensure compliance with EU and other governmental trade regulations.
• Develop and execute plans to correct issues resulting from audit activity with guidance from Sr. Specialists
• Other audit activities as assigned by the Trade Compliance Regional or Country Manager.

Document Policies:

• Update Work Instructions as needed to support company operations
• Create and update SOP’s to ensure documented policies reflect current practice.
• Maintain records of import documents and monitor compliance of trade documentation retention.

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY, RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPACT

• Implement and co-facilitate corrective actions in response to audit results and hold affiliates, suppliers, and brokers accountable for compliance.
• Execute business procedures, best practices and internal controls necessary to ensure customs compliance to minimize business and legal risk, including creation of SOP's and documented procedures.
• Escalate compliance issues resulting from deviations to internal requirements or external standards.  

Qualifications and skills:

Specialized knowledge in trade and customs compliance regulations required for EU and surrounding countries.   Degree/ Certificate in Compliance, International Logistics, Customs Work or International Studies preferred

Minimum 3-4 years progressive experience in complex CPG, brokerage, or consulting environments.