Customs Specialist

JOB PURPOSE

This job exists to ensure the effective management and coordination of customs operations across the Balkans region, covering Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Based in Serbia and embedded within our regional logistics setup, the role is pivotal in guaranteeing smooth cross‑border flows, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

The Customs Specialist will collaborate closely with our Third‑Party Logistics partner (an external logistics provider responsible for services such as warehousing, transportation, customs handling, and distribution), internal teams, and external authorities to support both standard logistics and repack operations. You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure full compliance with customs laws and regulations across all Balkan countries, maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of local procedures, duties, and exemptions.
• Prepare, validate, and submit all required import and export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and customs declarations.
• Act as the main point of contact for customs authorities, brokers, and regulatory bodies to resolve issues and secure timely clearance.
• Facilitate and oversee customs clearance for all inbound and outbound shipments across the Balkans region.
• Coordinate closely with transport providers and the Third‑Party Logistics partner to ensure documentation accuracy and shipment readiness.
• Manage accurate product classification, including correct HS codes, valuation, and application of Incoterms across shipments and contracts.
• Support compliance with local packaging, labeling, and repack regulations in alignment with repack operations.
• Identify, propose, and implement improvements to customs processes to reduce clearance times, operational risks, and related costs.
• Collaborate with internal teams—such as supply chain, finance, legal, and commercial—to align customs processes with business needs and support audits, product launches, and market entries.
• Maintain complete documentation archives and generate regular reports on customs performance, cost impacts, and regulatory updates.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in customs operations, preferably in a multi-country or regional role.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations in the Balkans and EU, including import/export procedures, duties, and exemptions.
• Experience working with customs brokers, government agencies, and logistics providers.
• Familiarity with HS codes, Incoterms, and trade compliance frameworks.
• Fluent in English.
• Proficiency in SAP, customs software, and Microsoft Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of a Balkan language is a plus.
• Experience supporting repack or value-added services in a warehouse environment is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Location: Belgrade, Serbia (Hybrid working model)

At Unilever, we are committed to creating a supportive and engaging work environment. As part of our total rewards package, employees in this role will benefit from:

• Private Health Insurance
• Best Doctors Insurance
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Meal Vouchers
• Holiday/Vacation Bonus
• Additional Birthday Leave – an extra paid day off to celebrate your special day
• Short Friday Benefit – available to all employees who complete a 40‑hour workweek

These benefits are designed to promote well‑being, work–life balance, and an exceptional employee experience.

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.