Job Summary

We are creating a new organization with the aim to put a well-defined and standardized global Customs & Import operating model in place across all relevant dimensions, from compliance, customer service, operational efficiency to leveraging free-trade agreements and customs costs. We are now looking for a professional Senior Customs Expert who will perform execution of continuous improvement for all processes associated with import /export and ensure end-to-end daily activities defined into Customs RACI and compliance with country rules and regulations. You will work directly with regional and local teams with operational/tactical customs activities (import and export flow) and provide stakeholders with customs and trade solutions.

The location for this position is Lahore, Pakistan and this is a permanent position.

What you will do

As Senior Customs Expert, you will:

• Point of contact for local customs authorities.
• Answer queries from customs and providing support to stakeholders engaged in import and export activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with customs authorities, free zone authorities, and service providers.
• Manage and monitor import/export licenses, permits, and special authorizations.
• Identify potential optimization regarding operating costs and opportunities for reducing customs duty spend
• Ensure the compliance under the Authorized Economic Operator authorization, Inward processing and Outward processing regimes.
• Strong stakeholder management with government authorities, advocacy consultants and customs brokers
• Execution of continuous improvement for all processes
• Continuously monitor relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with partners
• Streamline customs operations processes where possible
• Proactively avoid or mitigate any potential business continuity or economic risk related to Tetra Pak operational structure and its customs transactions.
• Ensure the correct Tariff classification of goods imported and exported.
• Ensure Import & Export Control compliance operations, including HS classification, valuation, and licensing requirements.
• Develop, implement, and update policies and procedures related to duty exemption and trade compliance.
• Implement and enforce internal controls for import/export processes to mitigate regulatory risks.
• Proactively avoid or mitigate any potential business continuity or economic risk related to Tetra Pak operational structure and its customs transactions, by leading self-assessments and audits, quantifying potential risks and implementing corrective actions. and prepare for external government audits (e.g. EFS compliance audit).
• Investigate and report suspected violations of customs or trade regulations, ensuring corrective actions.
• Provide training and awareness sessions to employees on customs regulations, customs duties exemption and import/export controls.
• Budgeting and tracking spends related to customs (Import Duties, Customs Brokerage, Penalties and etc.)
• Track and regulatory changes and evaluate impact on Tetra Pak operations
• Assisting Regional Customs Manager the development and management of comprehensive internal export and import controls to ensure compliance with customs regulations of the country.

We believe you have

• A Master's Degree in Finance or ,CA/CPA/ACCA or equivalent
• 6 plus years of experience in indirect Tax, Trade compliance, audit or risk management with at least 2 years in a lead role
• Professional certifications in trade compliance are a strong plus.
• Candidates having experience with big 5 will be preferred
• Advanced knowledge of import/export control, including HS classification, valuation, free trade agreements and WCO explanatory notes.
• Expertise in duty exemption policies and their application to industrial/manufacturing/trading projects.
• Experience in Customs Software or SAP is a plus
• Domain in the office package, mainly Excel
• Strong stakeholders management skills
• Strong collaboration and conflict management skills
• An innovation mindset and a drive to find solutions and opportunities
• Fluency in English is a must

We believe that you are a resilient and self-motivated person and an expert in terms of finding and driving improvements. You enjoy working in a dynamic and regional environment with people from various cultures. The challenge of continuously improving and find opportunities for growth through customs trade flows and special regimes is highly motivating to you.