Customs Operations Specialist

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About the job...
We believe in teamwork respect and continuous improvement. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist youll play a key role in ensuring that IKEAs goods flow smoothly and compliantly across borders helping us deliver to millions of customers while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.

Youll be part of our Customs Operations Support Center (COSC) which manages import and export operations for the Americas region. The teams mission is to drive efficiency compliance and continuous improvement in all customs activities.

What Youll Do

Each day in this role brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist youll play a key role in ensuring smooth compliant and efficient cross-border operations across the Americas region.

Customs Compliance & Entry Management

• Prepare and validate customs entries using IKEAs in-house systems coordinating with brokers to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
• Monitor import and export clearance processes ensuring each transaction meets local and international compliance requirements.
• Review import documentation and data to confirm accuracy and maintain full regulatory compliance.

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Shipment Processing

• Manage and support FTZ-related import operations ensuring accurate entry and admission into FTZ facilities.
• Coordinate with internal teams brokers and FTZ operators to guarantee timely and compliant filings.
• Track and reconcile FTZ shipment movements proactively resolving discrepancies and maintaining precise records for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Contribute to continuous improvements in FTZ shipment handling and reporting processes.

Data Analysis & Process Improvement

• Analyze customs data to identify errors risks or opportunities for efficiency.
• Drive corrective actions to maintain accuracy in all customs declarations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance processes update SOPs and implement best practices that support IKEAs global trade strategy.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner closely with customs brokers logistics providers authorities and internal IKEA teams to deliver a high level of service.
• Provide operational guidance and support to local markets throughout North and South America.
• Build strong relationships and foster alignment between all parties involved in the import process.

Security Filings & Regulatory Oversight

• Manage Importer Security Filing (ISF) compliance according to U.S. Customs requirements.
• Stay current on trade regulations ensuring IKEAs internal processes remain compliant and efficient.
• Support continuous monitoring and improvement of regulatory procedures and documentation.

Qualifications :

Youre passionate about international trade logistics and doing things right the first time. You thrive in a fast-paced global environment where collaboration and precision drive results.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent experience) in Supply Chain Logistics International Business or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in customs brokerage import operations or a similar environment.
• U.S. Customs Brokerage License is a plus.
• Experience with FTZ processes entry writing tariff classification or post-entry corrections preferred.

Core Technical Skills

• Customs Entry Preparation & Filing: Proficient in preparing validating and managing import entries to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Import/Export Documentation: Skilled in reviewing invoices packing lists bills of lading and certificates of origin.
• FTZ Shipment Processing: Understanding of FTZ admissions operations and CBP compliance requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong grasp of customs laws Free Trade Agreements (e.g. USMCA) and Importer Security Filing (ISF) standards.
• Broker & Stakeholder Coordination: Effective in managing communication with customs brokers suppliers and internal partners.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP or customs management tools (SAP GTS Descartes etc.) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables formulas).
• Post Entry & Audit Processes: Ability to perform post-entry audits corrections and maintain detailed compliance records.
• Process Improvement: Analytical mindset to identify process gaps and implement smarter more efficient ways of working.

Professional & Soft Skills

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail in every aspect of work.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Clear and professional communication skills both written and verbal with global stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
• A collaborative mindset thriving in diverse cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Adaptable to changing business needs priorities and trade regulations.
• Demonstrates accountability integrity and ownership of outcomes.
• Maintains a continuous learning mindset staying informed about customs and trade compliance developments.

Additional Information :

At IKEA we value diverse backgrounds perspectives and skills. We are committed to providing coworkers with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We encourage individualism and invite you to come join our team and be yourself with us! 

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race religion color national origin sex sexual orientation age veteran status disability status or any other applicable characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications merit and business need.  

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Employment Type :

Full-time