Customs Associate

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Learn more: jti.com

Reporting to: Logistics Manager

Duty Post: Malvar, Batangas

Application Duration: This job posting will remain open until the vacancy is filled. 

Customs Associate

WHAT IS THIS ROLE ABOUT?

This position is responsible for managing the daily import activities of JTI, including raw materials, spare parts, samples, and machinery parts. These activities are crucial for maintaining production schedules and ensuring timely delivery of goods to customers.

The role requires close collaboration with various departments, including Planning, Customer Service, Procurement, Warehouse, and Finance, to ensure seamless operations and effective communication across the supply chain.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Capable of liaising with both internal and external stakeholders, including governing agencies, to arrange, book, and monitor shipments.
• Oversee the entire logistics & customs process, from port to factory or designated delivery areas, ensuring compliance with agreed incoterms.
• Promptly inform relevant parties, such as internal customers and external partners, of any delays or issues that may arise.
• Coordinate with the designated carrier for each lane and manage free time demurrage & detention requirements in collaboration with RLEH/ & Global Logistics. Address any concerns or issues raised by nominated agents regarding destination charges.
• Ensure adherence to free time agreements and provide immediate support and solutions to address delays, ensuring that impact dates are met, and production loss is avoided.
• Utilize the shipment tracking systems to request air freight quotations and arrange inbound shipments with the assistance of the designated 4PL.
• Collaborating with the nominated 4PL to finalize the most suitable air freight options based on cost, transit time, and service quality.
• Maintain continuous communication with the 4PL and carriers, ensuring that all parties are updated on the shipment status
• Ensuring that all actions taken are in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all necessary documentation and regulatory requirements are met for each shipment. Maintain essential reports, including Shipment Status, Billing, and KPIs, to monitor all shipments effectively. Ensure the Logistics Costs dashboard is available for management review when needed.
• Verify billing accuracy and completeness, process invoices promptly to meet contract payment terms, monitor vendor payments to ensure timely fulfillment, and maintain detailed transaction records for financial reporting and auditing requirements. Additionally, ensures all RGI applications are done and monitored to fulfill payment to vendor on time.
• Continuously evaluating and improving logistics processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Implementing best practices and innovative solutions to streamline operations.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of new processes.
• Perform any other tasks commissioned by the supervisor. Compliance with EHS procedures, labor law, corporate guidance, internal regulations and work performance instructions.
• Understand health and safety aspects of their work and learn about potential hazards, know and maintain required control measures in order to keep their workplace healthy and safe.
• Develop their competence to do the work healthy and safely, participate in health and safety training and receive appropriate health and safety knowledge and required qualifications, observe and follow safety signs, posters, warning signals, and written directions and instructions.
• Know Legal and JTI health and safety requirements associated with the work hazards and comply with all applicable health and safety rules and procedures.
• Always demonstrate safe behavior, report incidents and near misses to their supervisor, report identified unsafe conditions and behaviors to their supervisor and eliminate them within their authority and ability to do so.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• Bachelor’s Degree in Customs Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or any related field.
• Minimum of 1 to 3 years of hands-on experience in an Import/Export, Freight Forwarding, or Customs Clearance environment.
• Working knowledge of enterprise systems such as SAP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), or Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Experience in coordinating with key regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), PEZA, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Competent in freight billing verification, logistics cost tracking, and vendor invoice processing aligned with contract terms.
• Solid understanding of international trade regulations, customs procedures, and Incoterms.
• Knowledgeable in air and sea freight operations, including coordination with 4PL providers and freight carriers.
• Experience in managing demurrage, detention, and other shipment-related risks to ensure timely delivery and avoid production delays.
• Capable of generating and interpreting key logistics reports and KPIs, including shipment status, billing accuracy, and cost dashboards for performance monitoring.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, for clear communication with global and local stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Are you ready to join us? Build your success story at JTI. Apply now!

Next Steps:

After applying, if selected, please anticipate the following within 1-3 weeks of the job posting closure: Phone screening with Talent Advisor > Assessment tests > Interviews > Offer. Each step is eliminatory and may vary by role type.

At JTI, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support, alternative formats, or have other access requirements, please let us know.