Import / Export & Logistics Support Specialist (Contract)

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PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.

Import / Export & Logistics Support Specialist

San Mateo, CA (Collab)

6 month contract

As the Import / Export & Logistics Support Specialist, you will be joining PlayStations Global Supply Chain Organization, working within the Global Logistics Group as part of the Global Customs Compliance Team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build a comprehensive understanding of PlayStation’s Global Logistics & Supply Chain operations, and be a part of defining and improving Compliance activities that are fundamental to good operating practices.

This role will be the centralized point supporting and specializing in key Logistical activities connected to Customs Compliance including technical guidance and process support on all matters relating to ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance, Freight Payment auditing and processing, direct payment auditing of duties, taxes and tariffs to the US and Canada, and supporting duty drawback processes and Free Trade Zone activities The role requires the ability to help create, then further develop and operate to a centralized compliance framework, which will deliver solutions that improve the transport and fulfillment capabilities of the supply chain, supporting key internal stakeholders and teams, in alignment with business requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Understanding of United States import/export regulations including the movement of Dual Use and controlled goods, with a primary focus on North and South America
• Understanding of EMEA import/export regulations is also desirable but not a requirement.
• Support and audit our partners in the maintaining and organizing of import/export documentation, including customs declarations, invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin, in conjunction with our third party partners such as our customs broker, freight audit and payment provider and Free Trade Zone providers and the corporate compliance teams. Ensure Service providers complete all Customs & Excise processes and declarations in a timely and accurate manner per agreed deadlines and SLA’s
• Support in the generation of the correct HTS Commodity Code & Classifications. Ensure best practice is followed in product classification and associated data requirements
• Proactively identify business risk associated with movement of goods and work cross functionally to implement solutions where needed. Maintain a risk and action register flagging all risks to the business & ensure CI’s are automated, systemized, and correct to the regional customs requirements.
• Monitor declarations and payments to Customs (or via service providers to Customs) and ensure these are correct, duties and taxes are paid in full, on time and correctly
• Ensure you conform and are compliant to requirements regarding documentation practices, and keep up to date all Trade and Customs procedures – ensure proactive tracking is in place. Identifying, communicating and implementing updates to import/export processes aligned to the latest regulations. Stay up-to-date with changes in customs regulations and tariffs, ensuring that all imports and exports are compliant with applicable laws. Ensure any Import or Export License needs are met and managed accordingly
• Support in the processing of Freight Payments, whilst engaging with the team to develop and deploy a framework for Freight Payment checks and balances, through a standardized audit process to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support and action claims connected to the EMEA & US Claims processes for SIE Operations – Including, but not limited to, the input of claims into a centralized system, and acting as a central touchpoint for the management of the claims process in conjunction with cross-functional partners
• Identify opportunities, and take the lead on process improvement initiatives related to compliance processes, with a focus on Customs Compliance activities.
• Collaborate with customs brokers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth customs processes and timely clearance of goods, where applicable and necessary. Including, but not limited to, US Customs, Canada Custom, CBSA, 3PL’s and Transport Providers,
• Collaborate with other Logistics team members on transit time assumptions, building in customs activity needs. Identify weekly/daily priority of factory shipments/containers, vendor inbound components, and interplants to Logistic lead(s). Support the transfer of finished goods and supporting components across Sony warehouses

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in any of the areas of Import and Export Operations, Customs Compliance, Trade Compliance, and International Logistics & Transportation

• Technical understanding of import/export control procedures (particularly North & South America regulations), including the use and applications of incoterms, international payment practices, shipping line, airline and port ways of working, customs including FTAs/EPAs, customs related documentation, insurance (Marine, Cargo, and liability), export controls and sanctions procedures.
• Understanding of EMEA and APAC customs are desirable but not necessary, the ability and willingness to develop and learn are a must.

• Strong generalist Compliance Program experience.
• Experience of Freight Payment processes is key.

• Broad knowledge of Logistics & Transportation services, Operations, Analytics, and cross functional supply chain interactions, Logistics Solutions Providers and relationships, and global fulfilment operations.
• Experience of being a key part of a team developing and deploying cross functional improvement projects, with a focus on customs compliance activities deployed in line with well-developed strategic and tactical roadmaps.
• Strong knowledge of Logistics & Operational practices within consumer-packaged good industry or video game industry is a plus.
• Computer literacy and capabilities with utilizing MSOffice applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook are a must.
• Certificate in Customs Compliance, or other applicable customs and trade compliance certifications and diplomas are desirable. Where not completed yet, the role holder will need to be prepared to go through any applicable training courses identified by the leadership team.
• Basic Understanding, or any experience of, Dangerous Goods shipping regulations is a plus
• Working experience utilizing ERP systems (SAP GUI, SAP Fiori, SAP Business Objects, SAP IBP), and working experience utilizing Transport Management Platforms.
• BS/BA or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lean Six Sigma, or Lean Practitioner experience is a plus.

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Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.