Lead Customs Operations Specialist at GE - General Electric

Processes and procedures related to the movement and shipment of GE goods across borders.Management. Responsible for departmental operations planning/execution or is focused on execution of professional activities within a technical discipline. Functions with some autonomy but guided by established policies or review of end results.
The job allows modification of procedures and practices covering work as long as the end results meet standards of acceptability (quality, volume, timeliness etc.).

Job Description

Role/Overall objectives:

Customs is a team of experts delivering import and export operations management for GE Gas Power by driving execution of the Customs processes and GE Policies. The Lead Customs Operations Specialist will be responsible to deliver on time and compliant customs clearance through regular touchpoints with the broker and the internal GE stakeholders to ensure customer satisfaction.      

Key Accountabilities/ Execution:

• Provide Customs operational support to Gas Power including guidance, assistance, and advice to the Gas business in support of their import and export activities and lead initiatives to drive upstream process improvement and rigor
• Manage daily operations with the broker, GE stakeholders and BPO to ensure engagement is established and communicate with relevant internal parties for incomplete documents or discrepancies in documents
• Own project governance and operating rhythms; ensure effective communications, reporting and reviews at all levels of the organization, pre-Entry / Live Shipment Support & Escalation Resolution and manage escalations for non-response to HTS questions and data requirements
• Manage strategic Customs Agents, develop operational rhythms to monitor all third-party managed activities and drive ongoing process improvement
• Provide guidance and implementation of Customs regulations, and other government agency requirements affecting imports and exports in the region
• Identify Customs risks areas and evaluate related internal controls, develop actionable plans and procedures to reasonably mitigate and address identified risks
• Lead efforts to manage operational compliance with all import/export activities to meet all country compliance requirements; maintain GE’s ability to participate in any relevant special programs or other related activities
• Manage all operational metrics and lead strategic initiatives to improve cost, compliance, and speed metrics
• Assist in performing customs broker invoice reviews and audits, drive Root-cause analysis and corrective actions upstream
• Act as the focal point of contact for escalations and issue resolution related to customs operations & compliance
• Follow EHS directives and/or warn others to follow them
• Immediately report any incidents or near misses to the direct reports and EHS department
• Immediately shut down the operation if it endangers life or a risk of serious injury is present
• Further tasks not involved in this Job Description that the immediate leader/manager assigns verbally or in writing

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor degree from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics operations/management with an extensive in customs operations in the region.(SSA)
• Demonstrated compliance mindset
• Strong knowledge in requirements for Other Government Agency Approvals (OGA)
• Experience in temporary import process & bank guarantee recovery
• Strong working knowledge of English
• Able to travel 20% in their work schedule within the region

Desired Characteristics:

• Bachelor degree in International Trade, Finance, Legal or related fields are plus
• French language is a plus
• In country professional Customs Certification or accreditation
• Knowledge in Free Trade Agreements and ATA Carnet usage
• Wing to wing expertise across customs processes
• Experience leading significant projects and demonstrated leadership characteristics in developing and leading high-performance teams
• Demonstrate strong communication skills; strategic thinking and inclusiveness; able to work in an ambiguous environment
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate multiple / large projects; provide direction and leadership to a network of resources; establish clear and robust goals & achievable project plans & deliverables
• Demonstrated ability to use knowledge, experience, and instinct to make accurate and timely decisions
• Demonstrated ability of working with all levels of internal and external organizations
• Project Management or quality experience with Six Sigma Certification