Customs Compliance Specialist

Inter IKEA Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global retail leader is seeking a Customs Compliance Specialist in Dubai. This full-time role focuses on ensuring efficient and compliant import/export operations. Key responsibilities include managing compliance activities, providing customs advice, and establishing controls to mitigate risks. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years of customs experience, a bachelor's degree in business, and strong analytical skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to operational excellence and compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Customs and Compliance activities.
• Experience working with external authorities.
• Strong analytical investigative interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance in import/export activities within the assigned locations.
• Establish and maintain compliance procedures and controls.
• Provide customs and trade advice to stakeholders.

Skills

Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance

Analytical mindset

Proficient in MS Office applications

Excellent communication skills

Process-driven approach

Experience in customs operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Job description

In Customs and Trade Compliance we act as a strategic partner to create a culture of compliance and drive the continuous pursuit of operational excellence. Our mission is to enable an agile and compliant value chain through active customs and trade facilitation to make the IKEA vision and strategies a living reality.

We are now looking for a new Customs Compliance Specialist to join us in this exciting mission! The role as Customs Compliance Specialist will ensure the efficiency and compliance of the import and export activities within the assigned geographical locations.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day compliance activities and operations within in Customs and Trade Compliance function including but not limited to post entry/re-taxation 4 eye classification principle bonded/FTZ drawback free trade agreement programs and utilization and expansion into new markets as well as other government agency enforcement requirements through customs authorities.
• Serve as direct liaison with customs authorities specific for daily compliance activities and special regulatory procedures and programs such as free trade agreements post entry / re-taxation filings disclosures request for information and drawback. Provide support to CO team and the countries assigned within a designated geographical region with regulatory requirements as needed.
• To establish and maintain controls that ensure compliance and mitigate risks of non-compliance. Lead or support the resolution of customs compliance issues as they arise in assigned geographical location
• Establish and maintain compliance proceduresworking methods and systems/tools requirements in assigned geographical location
• Assist Customs and Trade Compliance activities in the areas of audits ADD/CVD investigations rulings court cases as well as single window initiatives.
• Lead or support periodic self-reviews and audits and provide assistance with external customs audits as needed.
• Provide customs and trade advice to key stakeholders and projects to integrate customs and compliance into IKEAs value chain delivering both compliance and cost reduction.
• Contribute to IKEA Requirements and Compliance working groups (PRIO/CRIO) in IKEA when needed and anchor results in working methods.
• Ensure tariff number accuracy within the assigned geographical locations where an Inter IKEA legal entity is the importer of record using the 4-eye principle. Manage day to day classification activities including tariff disputes. Identify required other government agency import/export requirements associated with assigned classification and supplier/origin. Ensure these requirements are communicated within the IKEA value chain and operations.
• Assist in defining requirements and testing for customs tools and solutions that support compliance with legal requirements. Provide support with regulatory interpretation and gap analyses of current working methods and solution configuration.
• Contribute to customs expansion projects to ensure compliance readiness before the start of customs operations.
• Build strategic relationships and networks with internal and external business partners including Customs or Government officials/agencies to minimize risk and maximize customs and trade benefits supporting compliance and improving operational efficiency to lower costs.
• Conduct customs related training and education programs to enhance customs compliance awareness knowledge and capabilities in IKEA and among suppliers.
• Maintain up to date regulatory knowledge and analytical skills to adapt to changes in business regulations or systems change to meet the business needs.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role we believe you need to have

• Strong knowledge of customs and trade compliance include classification valuation country of origin free trade agreements bonded management and other customs related topics.
• A comprehensive understanding of how customs function within the value and supply chain and how to incorporate customs and trade compliance controls into operations.
• Proficiency in conducting compliance reviews and working with external customs audit.
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Fluent in English both written and spoken.
• Process-driven with a proactive approach to find better ways of working.
• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to learn quickly.
• Deep understanding of customs and trade compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and effectively address challenges that come with rapidly changing regulatory and business environment

Essentials

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Customs and Compliance activities.
• Bachelors degree in business or related field from an accredited college/university or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with external authorities.
• Strong analytical investigative and interpersonal skills.
• Abilities to exercise tact restraint and discretion in handling critical and confidential issues.
• Experience in customs operations or a leadership role.
• Customs experience across multiple countries is a strong advantage.
• Experience in internal auditing or project management is a plus

Additional Information

Does this sound like the next step for you Then send in your application along with a cover letter no later than 5 January 2026.

Start date As soon as possible!
We cant wait to hear from you!

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Full-time