Customs Affairs Officer

Company DescriptionSGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.We are looking for a Customs Affairs Officer in SGS, UAE. The candidate will ensure the most timely and accurate customs clearance of all inbound and outbound consignments requiring customs clearance.Job DescriptionIdentify, develop and prioritize initiatives that will improve the quality of service to SGS customers, inbound / outbound transit time and the overall cost position. Develop relationships with National Customs and other regulatory authoritiesArea of responsibility: DAFZA ,JAFZA, SAIF ZONE, DIC, DMC, T2, DCV all customs regimes in UAECustoms duty payout and recovery and customs compliance in all transactions with customsProvide regular communication to SGS customers on regulatory change and improvementProvide regular reporting on performance and costs associated with Regulatory clearanceRepresent SGS interests at all levels of Customs & Regulatory administration with professionalism and integrityAct as the company representative in discussions & negotiations with customs authorities & other border agenciesPresent initiatives to and actively lobby Government and other regulatory authorities to facilitate the customs clearance processWork with the sales teams to advise customers only customs/trade regulations and with country operations management to streamline clearance activity and lower costImplement a sound customs strategy with programs and projects developed in line with the key aspirations of improved clearance performance and reduced costIdentify opportunities, both internal and external and recommend initiatives that will facilitate the customs clearance processConduct regular audits of clearance performance to ensure compliance to network standards and achievement of the best-cost positionIdentify opportunities and impediments in the areas of International trade facilitation, export incentive schemes, trade and policy development and bilateral and multilateral country agreements and work with country management to implement solutionsEnsure SGS customs processes are in compliance with all local laws, regulations & practicesIdentify and assist in the implementation of training programsDevelop IKOs/KPIs with team members and monitor individual performanceManage the allocation of appropriate resources and commitment of staff to the achievement of Global, Regional and Country objectives and targetsQualifications10 years relevant experience in country import / export industry at a senior levelEstablished network of contacts within the customs and regulatory environmentUniversity DegreeShould be certified by customs on clearance processExcellent presentation skills and customer orientationStrong Business AcumenHolistic mindset and stays abreast of important trendsAble to develop and communicate strategies and goals that achieve competitive advantage.Commitment to Excel: Challenges self and others to exceed standards and achieve extraordinary results striving for best-in-class. Is not easily deterred when obstacles or delays are encountered.