Team Lead - Customs Operations Support Center Americas

Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We do this by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing and food products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them.

The Inter IKEA Group is a part of Inter IKEA Systems B.V., owner of the IKEA Concept and worldwide IKEA franchisor.

IKEA Supply is responsible for securing that the product offer is produced and delivered to our customers. We lead the supply agenda across many functions and work together with all business areas, different business units, but also retail markets to secure customer availability in all markets and sales channels at lowest total cost.

IKEA Purchasing and Logistics Services US Inc. is part of our Americas region which also has an office in Curitiba, Brazil and Mexico City, Mexico, and is a subsidiary of the Inter IKEA Group.

Most people see a table. You see the challenge of getting it to customers. We work hard to make sure everyone's voice is heard and that everyone can make a difference. We offer positions that challenge your skills and inspire you to grow. Come see things a little bit differently with us.

About the job

While each day on the job may look a little different for you, the main purpose of this position is to lead Business and People together at the Customs Operations Support Center, while always being an ambassador for the IKEA values and the IKEA culture. The COSC Team Leader manages the import and export activities in compliance with internal and external regulations and with a high level of internal control.

About the assignment

As a Team Leader in Customs Operations Support Center Americas, your assignment will include, among other things, the following tasks:

• Lead, mentor and work proactively on co-worker competence and growth as well as succession planning
• Regularly evaluate team members' performance, provide feedback, and conduct annual performance reviews
• Drive the Operations action plan and anchor it into the Customs department Action Plan. Ensure that the team meets or exceeds set targets and objectives.
• Be part of the Customs Management Team and work actively on all related activities
• Manage any escalated issues or disputes related to imports, ensuring timely resolution, and minimizing impact on the organization
• Arrange for necessary workflow planning among co-workers based upon forecasted shipment volume
• Ensure that centralized import activities are organized in an optimal and compliant way for efficiency and internal control
• Ensure efficient and reliable handling of customs related documents
• Ensure that timely and accurate key figure development and reporting tools are in place to measure and manage the customs function effectiveness and day-to-day activities based upon daily volumes
• Be an ambassador of the IKEA values and culture
• Participate in forums and projects with different internal and external partners representing the IKEA business, and the Customs agenda. Ensure alignment in organizational objectives and seamless operations

About you

You enjoy working with others and are motivated by developing yourself and your co-workers. You thrive in a diverse and global environment. To succeed in the role, we are looking for you to:

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, a related field, or equivalent working experience
• A U.S. Customs Broker's License is a plus
• Comprehensive understanding of local, national, and international customs regulations and laws preferred
• Experience working with U.S. trade regulatory agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other participating Government Agencies preferred
• Proficient in using import management software and tools is a plus
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting
• High integrity and ethical standards
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Collaborative mindset, with an ability to work well with cross-functional teams
• Have a passion for people and diversity, along with a strong capacity to lead business and inspire people
• Be fair, empathetic and authentic in your leadership

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