Trade Compliance Senior Specialist

Job Description:

The incumbent is expected to be the primary interface between freight forwarders, Government agencies, customs brokers and designated Mars affiliates in regard to trade compliance. This person will be responsible for the following key areas: Expert knowledge of, & ability to design programs to comply with laws and regulations related to trade compliance business activity in their region, must be proficient working with, and the requirements of, trade authorities in the MEA region, must be proficient working with compliance software and SAP; strategic trade programs such as duty drawback and free trade agreements, audits of import and export processes and documentation, license determination, application of cross border taxes, recordkeeping, valuation, and classification of internationally shipped goods.

Develop Compliance Controls:

• Design and Implement Mars import/export compliance program within the designated segment/country(s) - activities may include, but are not limited to, creation and implementation of programs to comply with customs regulations within the MEA region, valuation reviews, tariff classification, duty and cost avoidance, assist tracking, Security programs (AEO) and roll-out and training of associates on new trade policies Conduct complex customs-related research and analysis, using substantial understanding of customs practices and procedures with minimal input from line managers.
• Deliver savings and cost avoidance for Mars by ideating and implementing continuous improvements to trade processes and risk mitigation.
• Manage relationship with customs brokers and freight forwarders. Act as primary business stakeholder and collaborate with Mars Commercial on brokerage sourcing initiatives. Leads reviews of Broker performance periodically.
• Develop and implement processes to ensure compliance with FTA programs or other duty/cost avoidance programs including Foreign Trade Zones or other initiatives. Ensure eligibility and record retention requirements are met.

• Communicate new requirements to Mars associates via training, newsletters, and SOP creation

Audit:

• Identifies the audit process and implements holistic compliance auditing annually, in accordance with Mars SOP's.
• Identifies and implements corrective action plan resulting from audits or investigations leveraging advanced technical knowledge.
• Utilizes Trade Compliance Software to perform audits of import/export entries, and where software may not be utilized, complete manual audits of import/export requirements, recommending tools where needed.
• Creates audit process where needed and conduct audits to ensure compliance with import/export documentation retention.
• Other audit activities as assigned by the Trade Compliance Manager or Director.

Writing Policies:

• Develops and influences adoptions of policies, identifies need, creates, implements, and updates SOP’s to reflect world class compliance standards.

Operations:

• Resolve and make decisions regarding trade compliance issues and problems that arise in connection with business activities involving Mars units.
• Identify new procedures/methods to continuously improve and expedite clearance and cost avoidance for import/export shipments
• Serve as problem solver, act as compliance liaison to government authorities for customs issues, may be liable for signature on customs documents.
• Determination of HTS classification and maintenance of classification database in accordance with Customs procedures as needed.
• Respond to business/SME requests for assistance and proactively guide associates to minimize risk.
• Create and execute business procedures, best practices and internal controls necessary to ensure customs compliance to minimize business and legal risk
• Continue skill development in trade compliance and regulatory issues.
• Identify new procedures/methods to continuously improve and expedite clearance and cost avoidance for import/export shipments
• Provide analytics, data, and reporting on compliance activities as required
• Provide consultations to internal customers on import/export requirements, tariff systems and other customs-related matters to mitigate compliance risks.

Requirements:

Specialized, advanced knowledge in trade and customs compliance regulations required for MEA region. Preferred Brokers License, Law Degree, or Degree/ Certificate in Compliance, International Logistics, Customs Work or International Studies preferred

Minimum 6-7 years progressive experience in complex CPG, legal, or consulting environments

Functional/Technical Skills, Decision Quality, Dealing with Ambiguity, Standing Alone