Head of Customs Soam

Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58 countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary.

**Job Description**:
At Continental, we are building a world class customs organization on group level. As Head of Customs SOAM (= South America) you will be a key contributor to the development and execution of Continental's customs strategies in the South American region. While safeguarding the necessary level of compliance, you focus on introducing new ways of working and measures transforming the Customs setup in the SOAM region into a trusted and proactive function adding value to the business.

You will therefore
- Build, manage and lead the regional Group Customs team responsible for the entire SOAM region
- Identify and communicate customs related risks and opportunities to the Head of Global Customs & Excise, your peers in the Group Customs team and other senior stakeholders around the globe
- Work with your team and the entire customs community in Continental on the development, rollout and maintenance of a customs governance framework, i.e. processes and procedures that ensure consistency, efficiency and sustainability in the area of customs compliance in the region and beyond
- Together with your team you develop and conduct customs specific training as required by legislation and authorities
- Implement measures fostering the performance and level of compliance provided by local/regional operational teams, shared service centers and third-party service providers
- Work on customs related requests including timely, accurate and detailed work plans, resource schedules, project estimates and status reports.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with regional customs authorities where appropriate as well as with all other regulatory authorities to carry out company business
- Provide regional strategy, advice and support regarding special customs procedures/programs that may reduce duty obligations
- Coordinate with Group Customs leads and other internal stakeholders on any customs related topic of importance
- Prepare assessments and reports as required by management
- Monitor legal developments and conduct impact assessments
- Participate in customs audits where necessary
- Represent Continental on trade related government consultations and in industry associations in the SOAM region.

**Qualifications**:

- University degree within business/finance/informatics or an interdisciplinary education, such as international business law or business informatics.
- You have had at least 7 years corporate experience within customs/taxes/controlling or finance or have been working for a multinational business advisory company in the area of customs for at least 5 years.
- Experience in leading multinational expert teams both locally and remotely desired.
- You demonstrate a high degree of social competence, including good communication skills, openness, a cooperative leadership and working style and a distinct ability to work with and lead people across cultures and countries.
- You are a “self-starter” showing a high degree of motivation and initiative by setting your own expectations and goals.
- You can proof a track record leading projects across functions.
- Fluent English both in speaking and writing.
- You prefer a team-oriented way of working and show high assertiveness.

Additional Information

What we value the most, irrespective of your past experiences, is an eagerness to learn and a dedication bringing Continental to speed on the path to rethink and live customs.

This position will require domestic, regional and intercontinental travel.