Shipping and Customs Specialist

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We do this by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. We operate in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand – and have an ambitious expansion plan to bring a little bit of Sweden to new markets in the region. We are part of the Ikano Group of companies and the only IKEA franchisee owned by the Kamprad family that founded IKEA.

We also develop, own and operate Shopping Centres that are anchored by IKEA and create walkable communities by including residential, office and other types of real estate in our development plans.
We work towards making sustainability a natural part of our everyday work. We are active in our communities, driving and supporting social initiatives that benefit children, women and the environment.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

As a specialist in the shipping and customs team contribute to the best possible customer perceived availability by securing the timely import and shipping of goods at the lowest possible cost. Support that IKEA Thailand complies with all regulations connected to the import, export and shipping of goods through excellent communication and follow up with relevant government agencies, local authorities and vendors/service providers.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB

Shipping Operations

• Responsible to deliver the best possible goods availability for our customers through accurate, efficient and cost-effective import/shipping processes. Ensure the correct prioritization is in place to support time sensitive availability for commercial activities.

• Responsible to ensure that all imported goods have the right documentation, tariff classification, are declared correctly and promptly paid. Ensure all import and export shipments are custom cleared within free given time by the port authority to avoid additional port charges or other unnecessary costs. Follow up on compliance to what is agreed in ISAG contract and support negotiations with port authority and shipping carriers to further minimize costs.

• Responsible to maximize cost savings available through Free Trade Agreements (FTA), ensuring relevant documentation is submitted according to the conditions specified in the FTA. In cases of deviations, support the follow up with relevant stakeholders to correct deviations and develop competence as needed.

• Contribute to the work with relevant government agencies and local authorities to secure the most timely and cost effective import conditions are in place. Contribute to finding the best solution on queries from the local authorities, as well to communicate to relevant stakeholders within the government agencies.

• Responsible for my own personal development in partnership with the shipping and customs manager, continually improving work competence in order to execute tasks based on agreed SOP and working methods.

• Support the performance evaluation of appointed carriers and service providers and provide feedback clarifying regional/country specific routines when deviations occur. Keep both internal and external stakeholders informed on the evaluation, as well on the latest policy changes.

• Contribute with relevant input to the country business plan process and support the shipping and customs manager to achieve goals and actions stated in the business plan, as well to implement any action plan points connected to the shipping & customs department.

• Support with shipping and customs expertise to business expansion projects, product requirements and compliance issues, as well as any other shipping and customs related matters.

• Work in compliance with the IKEA Code of Conduct, internal IKEA regulations and local legislation relating to health, safety, security and the environment. For external service providers monitor and provide feedback to ensure their operations are in alignment with IKEA standards.

• Live the IKEA values and nurture a strong and living IKEA culture that values the diversity of customers and co-workers and inspires extraordinary achievements in the department. Through your everyday work, you contribute to a people and planet positive business, social connection and environmental impact.

Motivation

• The IKEA Vision, IKEA Business Idea and IKEA HR Idea motivate me in my daily work • I am interested in home furnishing, people's life at home, and the IKEA product range

• I have a passion for developing people and talent

• I have a passion for logistics and working in a fast paced, constantly changing retail environment • I am driven to achieve goals through people

• I am able to contribute to improving our everyday work with ideas and improvements • I enjoy working as part of my team and together we work towards common goals

• I am able to maintain a good work/life balance in my current role

Knowledge

• Knowledge of customs regulation for both import and export and duty classification including all import certifications.

• Knowledge of local customs and other government agencies involved in regulation and import/export of goods

• Knowledge of routines, documentation and stakeholders involved in the shipping of goods

• Knowledge of planning, priority setting, analytical skills, problem solving and cost-effective commercial performance.

• Thorough understanding on Trade privileges

• Knowledge of marine and domestic transport insurance claim and understand how’s the process of claim and compensation

• Excellent skills in retail and/or logistics processes, tools and working methods.

• Good understanding of the IKEA Code of Conduct, regulations and legislation relating to health, safety and security.

• Knowledge of the IKEA Concept description, including the IKEA vision and business idea, and IKEA culture and values.

• I know and understand the eight IKEA Key Values

Capabilities

• I am able to prioritize and organize individual work duties, to make the most efficient use of the time available

• I have a flexible approach to my daily tasks and can adapt to unpredictable situations when they arise. I am open to new ideas and changes in ways of working.

• I have good personal discipline and am committed to delivering according to expectations. I have good attention to detail in order to secure accuracy in all that I do.

• I am confident in approaching and talking to people and demonstrate a friendly manner when approached by colleagues.

• I am able to learn new things quickly and can apply in my daily work. When something is unclear, I ask questions in order to clarify my understanding.

• I capable of working independently and contribute as part of a team. I share my knowledge with others to help them grow and develop.