Job Description

Job Title: Senior Executive - Customs Background

Location: Bangalore

About Unilever

Be part of the world's most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas, and disrupt processes use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Every day, nine out of ten Indian households use our products to feel good, look good and get more out of life - giving us a unique opportunity to build a brighter future.

Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you'll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you'll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we'll work to help you become a better you.

About Bangalore Hub

Unilever Bangalore Hub is the global technology and operations engine of Unilever offering business services, technology, and enterprise solutions. It serves over 190 locations and through a network of specialized service lines and partners delivers insights and innovations, user experiences and end-to-end seamless delivery making Unilever Purpose Led and Future Fit.

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 standardization, 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

Role Purpose
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 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
. 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.

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

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