Global Trade Expert

Volvo Cars; Ridgeville (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Parental leave program (Family Bond)

Employee car lease program (VELP)

Retirement plan with employer matching

Job summary

Volvo Cars is seeking a Global Trade Expert to collaborate with the Customs Operations team in the Americas and support a global customs strategy. The role focuses on compliant import/export activities, FTZ management, and driving efficiency through improved processes and automation.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, navigate regulatory changes, and build strategic partnerships with service providers to enhance visibility across trade activities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of 15 CFR and 19 CFR.
• Experience filing customs entries.
• Degree in logistics or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive and improve Customs Operations processes.
• Coordinate with trade brokers and internal teams.
• Prepare KPI/analytics for operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions and workflows.
• Suggest and implement AI and automation to optimize trade flows.
• Ensure compliance with FTZ, import/export, and CTPAT requirements.

Skills

Customs regulations knowledge

Filing customs entries

Microsoft Office

Leadership

Problem solving

Cross-cultural communication

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Degree in logistics or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Let\'s introduce ourselves The purpose of the Global Trade Expert is to work collaboratively within the Volvo Car Customs Operations team in the Americas region to facilitate compliant import and export activities, while working at a global level to support delivery on the global customs strategy. The Volvo Car Global Customs and Export Controls strategy involves a shift in the way we do business to become a "best in class" customs and export controls team. To be successful in this role, the person must demonstrate an ability to simultaneously manage multiple trade related projects, deliver on innovative trade solutions and serve as the subject matter expert as the team navigates through our journey of change.

What You\'ll Do

Job Responsibilities

• Support and drive the Customs Operations team to create processes to efficiently manage day-to-day activities
  • Import/Export Operations
  • Foreign Trade Zone Operations
  • Electronic filings: ISF/Entry/e214, ePTT, IT, EEI etc…
  • Special Trade Programs
  • Duty avoidance and recovery
  • Implementation of AI solutions and automation
  • CTPAT compliance
  • Trade risk evaluation and documented Self-Assessments
• Work collaboratively with team to set department goals and deliver on strategic improvements
• Together with the team establish a global way of working under a control tower concept
• Review information, data, documentation and material flows to drive process improvements that eliminate waste and reduce costs.
• Consistently demonstrate ownership of assigned projects and their delivery
• Develop strategic partnerships with service providers to maximize visibility over trade activities (broker activities/internal activities)
• Coordinate with other groups within supply chain management as necessary to resolve issues
• Develop and maintain work instructions to secure standardized processes
• Develop and maintain written processes and workflows within Volvos Business Management System (BMS).
• Prepare KPI's to ensure operational effectiveness
• Coordinate with external customs brokers to ensure compliant and timely filings
• Develop and maintain databases for the tracking of import and export activities to consolidate information and enhance the reporting process
• Participate in the development of system requirements for Customs System integration in other business units to realize a uniform way of working across functional entities (US and CA Sales Organization).
• Implement/run risk based self-assessment program and management reporting mechanism
• Conduct and document internal audits in accordance with the audit plan for all relevant areas (e.g. US Imports, Canada Imports, FTZ etc…)
• Secure legal entity set-up (Customs Bonds/Guarantee) and the management there of
• Continuously monitor changes in Trade requirements, assess impact on the organization and drive changes for compliant implementation

What You\'ll Bring

• Knowledge of Customs regulations (15 CFR, 19 CFR)
• Proven knowledge and experience in the filing of customs entries
• Computer literate and knowledge with Microsoft Office products
• Certified Export Specialist preferred
• Customs Brokerage License preferred
• Six to ten years FTZ/Import/Export Experience
• An educational degree in logistics or similar field preferred
• Service minded with good communication and coordination skills
• Ability to quickly assess complex critical situations
• Proven abilities to perform well under pressure
• Service minded with good communication and coordination skills
• Proven knowledge and experience with customs compliance processes
• Problem-solving skills, a detailed and systematic approach to planning
• Strong leadership skills

Competencies/Abilities

• Expert level understanding of the regulatory trade concepts relating to moving goods across international borders (Tariff Classification, Valuation, Country of Origin, Free Trade Agreements, Special Procedures and Trade Programs) and apply them consistently to secure compliance
• Problem-solving skills, a detailed and systematic approach to planning
• Self-driven and can perform assigned task with low supervision while understanding that you are part of collaborative team that comes together for the efficient management of trade flows.
• The ability to communicate effectively across corporate boundaries is critical to the position.
• Daily interfaces with external vendors and international suppliers and agents require a high level of interpersonal skills.
• Must be timely and accurate in all Customs-related matters to avoid penalties and delays in clearing shipments.
• Must remain abreast of an ever-changing regulatory environment to ensure compliance by the Companies represented by the function.
• Must be able to juggle several projects simultaneously, taking initiative in raising issues, and be committed to achieving results.
• Uses both logic and intuition to reach appropriate conclusions.
• Adjusts behavior style to match the demands of the situation.
• Knows how the organization operates, and knows its place within the larger context of the industry and marketplace.
• Listens to others; respects their differences.
• Ability to interact cross-functionally and to act in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively in team environment.
• Strong ability to organize and prioritize own work and to manage multiple tasks.
• Positive mind-set and pro‑active attitude, must be a self‑starter.
• Well‑organized working methods and ability to report in a structured and concise format.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

In addition to the Volvo Car background check/investigation completed prior to hire, all Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) "Key Employees" will be required to complete a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) background check, which includes a Volvo Car background check/investigation, at least every five years. If an employee fails the background check, they will not be allowed to work as a "FTZ key employee".

This role is considered an FTZ "Key Employee" and will require the completion of a Volvo Car background check/investigation, at least every five years.

Let\'s Talk Benefits

Join Volvo Cars and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits designed with you in mind. Our programs offer choice, flexibility, and exceptional value, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and a wellness program with discounts and gifts, most of which start on day one of employment. You'll also have access to voluntary benefits and a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer The Family Bond by Volvo Cars, a global paid parental leave policy covering all employees, including adoptive, permanent care foster, and surrogate parents. Additionally, employees and their eligible family members can lease a new Volvo at discounted rates through the Volvo Employee Lease Program (VELP). At Volvo Cars, our benefits extend beyond the workplace to enhance your life and support your family.

Volvo Car is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.