At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customs operations and ensure compliance with European and local laws.
- Company: Join Unilever, a global leader in consumer goods with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diverse applicants to apply.
- Why this job: Be the key contact for customs authorities and make a real impact on global trade.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in customs affairs, fluent in English and Dutch, analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Unilever is hiring a Customs Operations Expert.
Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Full-time (40 hours). Local conditions apply. The role will be closed once the best match is found, even before the posting end date.
Job Purpose: Customs operations and compliance according to European and local customs and tax law, key contact for customs authorities and tax offices and customs broker related to customs operations in Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Works cross-category and all business units, FPOC for the business in terms of customs operations and compliance.
What can you expect from the role?
- Representing Unilever before and towards the customs authorities.
- First point of contact for customs authorities for all customs matters.
- Assuring customs compliance in export and import operations, incl. trade agreement / origin compliance.
- Checking customs declarations from compliance perspective (audit proof).
- Applying for and maintaining customs (EU cross‑border) authorizations and licenses for Unilever European BV.
- Supervising and managing Unilever Europe BV’s AEO compliance status and audits.
- Managing customs authorizations (IPR, Approved Exporter License and others).
- Managing customs audits for Unilever.
- Monitoring changes in European and local customs legislation and regulations.
- Preparing and filing (administrative) appeals and/or (customs value related) reports to customs & tax authorities.
- Supporting business as in‑house consultant on customs & global trade compliance.
- Managing customs related supply chain projects.
- Controlling & reporting for duties & taxes.
- Coordination and supervision of customs related projects as indirect customs representative of UEBV.
- Delivering customs trainings and customs advice to the business.
- Supporting implementation of new lanes from customs perspective.
- Submitting customs reclaims/settlements to the customs authorities.
Does this sound like you?
Competencies:
- Excellent knowledge and expertise in customs procedures (import, export, declaration, bonded warehouses etc.) and customs systems/portals.
- Experience in customs classification and origin determination.
- Knowledge of international free trade agreements.
- Knowledge of local and international customs & global trade law.
- MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
- Minimum 5 years working on customs affairs, indirect tax, export and import operations in an international organization.
- Background in supply chain, supply management, logistics, planning or procurement.
- Fluent English and Dutch, French is an asset.
- Knowledge of SAP GTS is an advantage.
- Excellent communication skills and cross‑cultural awareness.
- Good analytical skills.
Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, parenthood, pregnancy or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against. By highlighting the gender diversity at the workplace, Unilever encourages women and men equally to apply. If you look for a job after a long career break or after any type of leave, do not hesitate to apply.
Senior Global Customs Operations & Compliance Specialist employer: Ultimate.ai
Unilever is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Rotterdam that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to customs compliance and operations, employees benefit from comprehensive training, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to engage with diverse teams across Europe. The company's inclusive culture and dedication to equal opportunity make it a rewarding place for individuals seeking meaningful careers in global trade and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Global Customs Operations & Compliance Specialist
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Ultimate.ai looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Global Customs Operations & Compliance Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Ultimate.ai. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ultimate.ai
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Ultimate.ai’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
