Trade Compliance Sr. Specialist (F/M/X)

Contract: Permanent:

Location: Veghel - The Netherlands, Brussels - Belgium, Verden - Germany, Warsaw - Poland, Budapest - Hungary, Vienna - Austria, Vilnus - Lithuania, or Prague - Czech Republic

This role is the primary interface between freight forwarders, Government agencies, customs brokers and designated Mars affiliates in regard to trade compliance.

This position will provide internal consulting and advanced customs technical knowledge for the European Union. The incumbent is expected to develop and deliver continuous improvement programs and strategies to drive enhanced Trade/Customs Compliance risk mitigation and cost avoidance.  This position will influence Leaders in Legal, Supply, and Commercial, to drive compliance.

What are we looking for?

• Expertise in trade and customs compliance regulations required for EU and surrounding countries.
• 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 EU and their region.
• Proven experience in complex CPG, legal or consulting environments.
• Proficient in working with compliance software, SAP and 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, valuation and classification of internationally shipped goods.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Brokers License, Law Degree, or Degree/ Certificate in Compliance, International Logistics, Customs Work or International Studies preferred.

What would be your responsibilities?

• Design and Implement Mars import/export compliance program within the designated segment/countries - activities may include, but are not limited to, creation and implementation of programs to comply with customs regulations within the EU, 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.
• Manage relationship with customs brokers and freight forwarders. Act as primary business stakeholder and collaborate with Mars Commercial on brokerage sourcing initiatives.
• Develop and implement processes to ensure compliance with FTA programs or other duty/cost avoidance programs including Foreign Trade Zones or other initiatives.
• 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.
• Develops and influences adoptions of policies, identifies need, creates, implements, and updates SOP’s to reflect world class compliance standards.
• 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.
• Creates and executes 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.
• Develops and influences adoptions of policies, identifies need, creates, implements, and updates SOP’s to reflect world class compliance standards.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.