Customs Operations Specialist

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About the job...
We believe in teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that IKEA’s goods flow smoothly and compliantly across borders — helping us deliver to millions of customers while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.

You’ll be part of our Customs Operations Support Center (COSC), which manages import and export operations for the Americas region. The team’s mission is to drive efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement in all customs activities.

What You’ll Do

Each day in this role brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact. As a Customs Import Operations Specialist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth, compliant, and efficient cross-border operations across the Americas region.

Customs Compliance & Entry Management

• Prepare and validate customs entries using IKEA’s in-house systems, coordinating with brokers to ensure accurate and timely submissions.
• Monitor import and export clearance processes, ensuring each transaction meets local and international compliance requirements.
• Review import documentation and data to confirm accuracy and maintain full regulatory compliance.

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) Shipment Processing

• Manage and support FTZ-related import operations, ensuring accurate entry and admission into FTZ facilities.
• Coordinate with internal teams, brokers, and FTZ operators to guarantee timely and compliant filings.
• Track and reconcile FTZ shipment movements, proactively resolving discrepancies and maintaining precise records for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Contribute to continuous improvements in FTZ shipment handling and reporting processes.

Data Analysis & Process Improvement

• Analyze customs data to identify errors, risks, or opportunities for efficiency.
• Drive corrective actions to maintain accuracy in all customs declarations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to enhance processes, update SOPs, and implement best practices that support IKEA’s global trade strategy.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner closely with customs brokers, logistics providers, authorities, and internal IKEA teams to deliver a high level of service.
• Provide operational guidance and support to local markets throughout North and South America.
• Build strong relationships and foster alignment between all parties involved in the import process.

Security Filings & Regulatory Oversight

• Manage Importer Security Filing (ISF) compliance according to U.S. Customs requirements.
• Stay current on trade regulations, ensuring IKEA’s internal processes remain compliant and efficient.
• Support continuous monitoring and improvement of regulatory procedures and documentation.

You’re passionate about international trade, logistics, and doing things right the first time. You thrive in a fast-paced, global environment where collaboration and precision drive results.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Supply Chain, Logistics, International Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in customs brokerage, import operations, or a similar environment.
• U.S. Customs Brokerage License is a plus.
• Experience with FTZ processes, entry writing, tariff classification, or post-entry corrections preferred.

Core Technical Skills

• Customs Entry Preparation & Filing: Proficient in preparing, validating, and managing import entries to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Import/Export Documentation: Skilled in reviewing invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• FTZ Shipment Processing: Understanding of FTZ admissions, operations, and CBP compliance requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Strong grasp of customs laws, Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA), and Importer Security Filing (ISF) standards.
• Broker & Stakeholder Coordination: Effective in managing communication with customs brokers, suppliers, and internal partners.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP or customs management tools (SAP GTS, Descartes, etc.) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas).
• Post Entry & Audit Processes: Ability to perform post-entry audits, corrections, and maintain detailed compliance records.
• Process Improvement: Analytical mindset to identify process gaps and implement smarter, more efficient ways of working.

Professional & Soft Skills

• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail in every aspect of work.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal, with global stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
• A collaborative mindset, thriving in diverse, cross-functional, and cross-cultural teams.
• Adaptable to changing business needs, priorities, and trade regulations.
• Demonstrates accountability, integrity, and ownership of outcomes.
• Maintains a continuous learning mindset, staying informed about customs and trade compliance developments.

At IKEA, we value diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are committed to providing coworkers with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We encourage individualism and invite you to come join our team and be yourself with us! 

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristic protected by law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need.  

Want to learn more about current opportunities? Come say Hej (hello in Swedish) here: https://about.ikea.com/en/work-with-us