Customs Operations Specialist

Inter IKEA Group•King of Prussia, PA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

U.S. Customs Brokerage License is a plus.
Experience with FTZ processes, entry writing, tariff classification, or post-entry corrections preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.