Welcome to AALTO, where we're blazing a trail to an extraordinary future! We're not just rewriting the rulebook; we're defining what is possible from the skis itself by, propelling HAPS technology to stratospheric heights.

Imagine an aircraft soaring above 60,000 feet, powered by sunlight, and flying for months above traditional air traffic. That's us, AALTO, world-leaders in High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology, with our 100% solar-electric, world-record-breaking Zephyr HAPS aircraft. But that's just the beginning! We're on the verge of becoming the global leader in HAPS Connectivity as a Service (CaaS), connecting diverse needs in the Mobile and Satellite Network Operator market. We connect the various demands of our customers, whether it's for rural connectivity, overlay capacity, disaster recovery, or new service provision. Plus, we're opening doors in revolutionizing Earth observation, tracking, and communications, while operating a carbon-neutral Zephyr HAPS fleet.

Join us in this exciting journey at AALTO. You won't just be part of a team; you'll be part of an eclectic, passionate group of visionaries shaping the future and pushing boundaries in the stratosphere. Ready to rewrite history with us? AALTO is not just creating an aircraft; we're shaping a future of boundless possibilities.

Job purpose:

We’re seeking a detail-oriented Customs Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will help ensure the smooth and compliant movement of goods across borders. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across departments and with external partners to manage import and export processes, classify shipments, and maintain customs compliance. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and bring a strong attention to detail and understanding of regulations, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

Customs Compliance & Classification

• Work with the Global Compliance Director to create and implement Global Customs compliance processes.
• Support the Compliance team with provision of relevant in-person trainings on customs topics that pertains to the various teams.
• Collaborate with procurement and logistics teams to classify products accurately using.

Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes

• Partner with materials management teams to review and classify inbound shipments to ensure accurate customs declarations.
• Liaise with materials management teams to record and track packaging data for UK.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting.
• Work with regulatory teams to obtain Type Approval Certificates and other necessary regulatory clearances.
• Facilitate product import/export to ensure compliance with U.K. and foreign customs agency requirements.
• Create standard operating procedures for customs brokers and third-party logistics services providers.
• Manage Temporary Shipments to eliminate double duty payments.

Import & Export Coordination

• Liaise with customs brokers in the UK and Kenya to ensure proper importation procedures and accurate documentation.
• Coordinate with exports teams to secure all necessary licences and clearances for importation.

Financial Reconciliation

• Collaborate with finance and tax teams/advisers to reconcile quoted duties with actual duty payments, ensuring accuracy and identifying discrepancies.
• Work with procurement and logistics to validate the PO as it pertains to duty and customs payments.

Licence & Record Management

• Maintain an accurate count of licences in coordination with logistics.
• Track and manage the expiration and renewal of import/export licences.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as the main point of contact between internal departments and external customs brokers to resolve any import/export issues.
• Stay current with customs regulations and industry best practices, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines.
• Collaborate with the POC for the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool to get all export and customs compliance information within the tool.
• Work with Logistics to review and update the Product Matrix with accurate and current classifications.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade Compliance, Customs, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience in customs compliance, international trade, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of HTS codes, import/export regulations, and customs procedures.
• Familiarity with Type Approval Certification, and export/import licensing requirements.
• Experience working with customs brokers, third party logistics providers and applicable regulatory agencies.
• Proficiency in ERP and PLM systems is a plus.
• Experience working with international markets.
• Experience working in Kenya a bonus.

At AALTO, we offer an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication. As part of our team, you'll experience the freedom of flexible working that enable you to achieve a healthy work-life balance. We believe in recognizing your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions. Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan. When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.

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