Assistant Manager - Customs

Background UniOps Tax Data Centre of Excellence supports Unilever’s global tax, customs, and trade compliance agenda through strong process governance, data quality, technology enablement, and operational delivery. The Customs team is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant customs processes across classification, preferential origin, product classification compliance, and customs valuation/value uplift activities, while driving standardisation, controls, and continuous improvement across markets. The role requires strong customs and international trade expertise, hands-on experience with customs technology platforms such as SAP GTS, and a robust understanding of HS code classification methodologies, preferential origin rules, product classification controls, and customs valuation principles Main purpose of job: Support the delivery of global customs compliance activities by managing day-to-day customs operations, driving process governance, mitigating customs risks, and ensuring accurate execution of HS Classification, Customs Valuation, Preferential Origin, and Post-Clearance Compliance activities. The role acts as a key link between operational teams and management, ensuring effective execution and stakeholder engagement. Key Roles & Responsibilities 1. HS Classification • Review and approve HS classifications for products and materials. • Ensure classification accuracy and consistency across markets. • Support resolution of complex classification issues. • Maintain classification records and audit documentation. 2. Customs Valuation • Review customs valuation methodologies and value uplift calculations. • Ensure compliance with customs valuation regulations. • Support alignment between customs valuation and transfer pricing policies. • Investigate and resolve valuation discrepancies. 3. Preferential Origin & FTA Management • Manage preferential origin determination activities. • Oversee collection and validation of supplier declarations. • Ensure compliance with FTA requirements and origin documentation. • Identify opportunities for duty savings through FTA utilization. 4. Post-Clearance Compliance (PCC) • Execute and monitor post-clearance review programs. • Identify customs compliance risks and gaps. • Track corrective actions and remediation plans. • Support customs audits and regulatory reviews. 5. Customs Governance & Compliance • Ensure adherence to customs policies, controls, and SOPs. • Support implementation of customs governance frameworks. • Monitor key compliance metrics and prepare management reports. • Maintain audit-ready customs documentation. 6. Stakeholder Management • Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Tax, Logistics, and external brokers. • Provide customs advisory support to business teams. • Act as first escalation point for operational customs issues. 7. Team Support & Capability Building • Support coaching and development of customs executives. • Review work allocation and monitor service delivery. • Share best practices and technical guidance across the team. 8. Continuous Improvement • Drive process improvements and standardization initiatives. • Support digitalization and automation projects. • Identify opportunities to improve compliance, efficiency, and controls. ________________________________________ Key Requirements of the Role • Strong working knowledge of customs classification, preferential origin, customs valuation, and product classification compliance. • Hands-on experience with SAP GTS, classification tools, trade compliance platforms, or equivalent customs systems. • Ability to govern customs master data and ensure alignment across ERP and customs applications. • Drive process standardisation, automation, control strengthening, and continuous improvement. • Support system enhancements, testing, deployment, and adoption of digital customs solutions. • Ensure effective documentation, audit readiness, and compliance evidence management for customs activities. Other Skills: Technical Skills • Customs Compliance • HS Classification • Customs Valuation • FTA & Origin Management • Post-Clearance Compliance • Customs Risk Management • SAP/GTS & Data Analytics Soft skills: • Strong analytical skills • Stakeholder management • Leadership potential • Problem-solving capability • Communication and influencing skills • Attention to detail and ownership mindset • University Degree in Accounts, Semi Qualified CAs or CMAs. Degree in Chartered Accountancy/Cost Accountancy is desirable /Semi Qualified Accountant (CA/CMA) With 4-6 years of relevant experience • Work experience in Customs and International Trade Compliance, with strong exposure to HS classification, preferential origin, PCC, customs valuation/value uplift, and customs technology platforms. Key interfaces 1. Global Trade Compliance 2. Group Tax and Transfer Pricing teams 3. Country Tax Business Partners 4. Customs Operations teams 5. Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance teams 6. IT and technology platform teams 7. External advisors, customs brokers, and customs authorities as required 8. Outsourced Service Provide 9. IT team

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

#LI-Onsite