Global Customs Manager

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PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Global Customs Manager based in our distribution centre at Thurnscoe, Rotherham / HQ - Wesport, Ireland.

Portwest is one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,300 staff worldwide, with customer service staff in over 130+ countries and 11 Global warehouses in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain, UAE, USA and Australia.We design, manufacture and distribute market-leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully-owned production facilities.

JOB TITLE: Global Customs Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

REPORTS TO: Mo Lasgaa

JOB SUMMARY:

As a Global Customs Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of customs and trade compliance at Portwest.

Your primary focus will be on ensuring that the company adheres to customs regulations and trade laws across various countries, facilitating the smooth movement of goods while minimizing risk and optimizing duty and tax implications. This role requires a strategic thinker with in-depth knowledge of global customs regulations and the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.

OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement global customs compliance strategies and policies to ensure adherence to international customs regulations.
• Stay informed about international trade regulations, customs laws, and sanctions to maintain a global perspective on compliance.
• Conduct regular audits to assess and maintain compliance levels.
• Manage the classification and valuation of goods to ensure accurate and consistent customs declarations.
• Work closely with product teams to determine the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for various products in a workwear and PPE industry.
• Utilize knowledge of trade agreements and preferential programs (i.e. GSP) to optimize duty and tax obligations.
• Identify opportunities to leverage free trade agreements and other trade facilitation programs.
• Manage local customs departments in UK, Poland and Belgium.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product design, procurement, legal, and finance, to ensure seamless customs processes.
• Communicate with customs authorities, brokers, and other relevant stakeholders to resolve issues and stay informed about changes in regulations.
• Implement risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential customs-related risks.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in the supply chain.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of customs documentation, including import and export declarations.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date records to facilitate audits and compliance verification
• Provide training and support to internal teams on customs compliance matters.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and share knowledge within Portwest.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation to enhance efficiency in customs operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement measures to drive continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

To become the Global Customs Manager you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, international trade, or a related field.
• Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist) is a plus.
• Extensive managerial experience (+6 years) in customs and trade compliance management, with a strong understanding of global customs regulations.
• Excellent knowledge of Harmonized System (HS) codes, valuation, and preferential trade agreements.
• Excellent knowledge and experience of the workings of bonded warehousing and AEO.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and cultures.

COMPANY AWARDS:

• Great Place to Work 2023
• Best Medium Sized Workplaces 2022
• Ibec Leading in Wellbeing Top 100 companies 2021
• Portwest CEO - Business Man of The Year - InBusiness Ireland 2020
• Deloitte Best Managed Companies 2016-2020
• Private Irish Business of the Year Export Industry Awards 2019
• Exporter of the Year 2018
• Portwest CEO - EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017

Portwest do not support visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have a right to work and must fulfil any relevant visa / work permit requirements in the relevant jurisdiction

Portwest are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.