Customs Compliance Manager

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.

We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.

Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.

AAK LOCATION

This position is based on site in Karlshamn

About the role

We are looking for a Customs Compliance Manager to strengthen our customs governance and ensure full compliance across AAK’s operations in Karlshamn. In this key role, you will ensure correct permits, accurate product classification, country of origin determination, and adherence to customs legislation and internal controls. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to safeguard compliant, efficient, and cost-effective customs processes. This includes leading audits, ensuring documentation accuracy, monitoring regulatory changes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the customs and trade compliance function. This role is integral to supporting the sites operational performance, risk management, and ability to deliver reliable and compliant flows across the supply chain. This position will initially support the Karlshamn site with the possibility to extend to additional European sites at a later stage.

Responsibilities

Customs Compliance & Governance

Ensure all required permits are in place and maintained to support efficient and cost-effective operations.
Secure correct HS classification, country-of-origin determination, and ensure accurate documentation.
Ensure AAK’s customs procedures remain compliant with legislation, internal standards and requirements.
Monitor regulatory changes and drive updates to policies, processes, and systems to ensure ongoing compliance and efficiency.
Handle deviations by investigating issues, defining corrective actions, implementing improvements, and following up on outcomes.
Collaborate closely with internal partners, including Procurement, Sourcing & Trading, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, TPM, Order Management, Planning, and Production Quality and external stakeholders such as customs brokers, forwarders, suppliers, and external warehouses to ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient customs operations.

Audits, Controls & Documentation

Lead internal self-inspections and support external customs audits.
Maintain accurate customs documentation and manage archiving through Emma Systems.
Ensure records for classification, origin, permits, and customs controls are accurate and audit ready.
Review customs processes regularly to identify risks, gaps, or opportunities for improvement.

Training, Communication & Stakeholder Support

Act as AAK’s internal subject-matter expert on customs matters.
Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on customs processes, documentation, and regulatory requirements.
Communicate proactively with customs authorities, customs brokers, and logistics partners.

Coordinate with other AAK sites to ensure alignment of customs standards, practices, and documentation.

Process Improvement & Efficiency

Drive enhancements to customs workflows, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Strengthening systems and tools used in customs and documentation processes.
Define customs requirements within supplier agreements and monitor compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across customs and trade compliance.

About you

7+ years of experience in customs compliance, international trade, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of customs regulations, including HS codes, origin rules, inward processing, and related legislation.
Experience ensuring accuracy and completeness of customs documentation and compliance records.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across functions and with external partners.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Proven ability to lead compliance processes, implement controls, and drive improvements.
Fluent in Swedish and English.

In return AAK offers

Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

Contact and information

For further information about the position, please contact Conor Kelly, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist by email: conor.kelly@aak.com

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.

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