Customs Operations Executive

What’s the role?

The Customs Operations Executive is the focal point for import/export operations within East region, including cooperation with the customs brokers/agents and terminal, oversight of customs authorities’ requirements within East region, and customs documentation needed to support Shell Trading flow of goods. This also includes building internal compliance documentation guidelines, training resources and providing import/export compliance support to operations teams.

Other responsibilities include:

• Implement and manage Shell Trading customs policies and processes based on best practices and frameworks (within the framework of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) qualifications).
• Specific implementation of controls with regard to non-preferential and preferential management (including controls and documentation of certificates of ) as well as management of products affected by trade defence measures (i.e.: anti-dumping, anti-subsidy).
• Specific implementation of controls with regard to customs classification of commodities traded by Trading & Supply (T&S) in accordance with global/regional policies.
• Ensure import trade flows are set up and operations are compliant (pre-entry and post-entry review) and that the correct customs licences, approvals are in place for any operational changes.
• Recommend measures to secure the optimum import duty regime within East region, via the use of Customs regimes such as Inward Processing, Outward Processing, Customs Warehousing, Free Trade Zones etc.
• Collaborates on internal audits, risk assessment and other assurance activities.
• Liaise with IT team to enhance Customs & Excise (C&E) aspects within Shell’s IT environment/ ERP system and trading platforms.
• Standardization and overview of Shell Trading’s Customs & Excise procedures and controls in locations such as refineries and terminals.
• Keep up to date with customs and excise regulatory changes and best practice; identify risks and opportunities and recommend actions.
• Assist Indirect Tax team in the review of third-party C&E profile and customs licenses.
• Work with the Trade Compliance team and Indirect tax to remedy any potential non-compliance or concerns including breaches.
• Set-up a control framework for customs brokers used by the company in order to assist operational team with local customs compliance work.
• Advise traders and operators on the tax treatment of commodity transactions (Customs and/or Excise compliance).
• Identify, capture, collect, monitor key metrics (KPIs) for development of business strategies and presentation to management and relevant optimisation projects.
• Develop and carry out Customs & Excise training for traders, operators, and local personnel, raising awareness on the C&E function and risks.
• Perform LOD1 management oversight to ensure proper assurances are in place, in line with the Controls that were put in place from the Customs Advisory Project.
• Maintain up to date Standard Operating Procedures.
• Contract holder for Declaring Agents.

What we need from you

We are keen to hear from candidates with approximately (5) five years working experience in customs and excise matters in industry; work experience with Big 4 will be advantageous. Expertise in energy or commodity trading is also an advantage.

Besides this, we’d also like to see the following:

• Extensive knowledge of European customs laws and regulations as well as the international customs legislations (WCO & WTO).
• Experience in cross functional collaboration - Interaction between Customs, regulatory, Excise duties, VAT, export controls etc.
• Some experience in design or rollout of a control system (not IT system) - not necessarily trade controls/customs (e.g. Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE), Quality, or Finance is a plus).
• Must have initiative and the discipline to prioritise projects and conflicting demands, be able to respect confidentiality requirements, possess the skills to communicate with tact and diplomacy and be able to maintain effective relationships both internally and externally to Shell.

Leadership experience:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to interact at all levels in the business, including very senior levels.
• External stakeholders including but not limited to Singapore Customs, SCDF, Central Narcotics Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Agency.
• The ability to collaborate effectively and at pace with stakeholders across T&S and at all levels.
• Ability to build a shared vision across multiple functions and motivate and coach a breadth of staff to deliver against it.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicting issues effectively and responsibly.
• Demonstrated strong change management skill.

Compliance is a foundation of the way in which T&S does business and therefore integrity is one of the fundamental values that we are seeking as part of Trading & Supply. We believe integrity is the hallmark of a person who demonstrates sound moral and ethical principles during their work. Integrity is the foundation on which co-workers build relationships, trust, and effective interpersonal relationships. It is essential that the successful candidate will be able to give clear examples of integrity as one of their core values.

If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that not everyone often applies when they do not feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, and life experiences to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.