Head of Customs & Trade Compliance
About the Role
My client, a global leader within the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Trade Compliance & Customs Manager to drive and elevate their regional trade compliance strategy across Europe. This is a critical leadership role, responsible for ensuring the organisation operates to the highest standards of customs compliance while enabling efficient, frictionless international trade.
As the business continues to expand operationally and geographically, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding trade compliance, optimising customs processes, and influencing best‑in‑class governance across a complex, multinational supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive trade compliance framework for the region.
- Provide strategic guidance to senior stakeholders on customs, export controls, duty optimisation, and regulatory developments.
- Lead internal governance initiatives to embed a culture of compliance across operations, sourcing, logistics, and commercial teams.
Customs & Regulatory Compliance
- Oversee all customs‑related activities, ensuring full compliance with EU and global trade regulations.
- Manage classification, valuation, origin, special procedures, and duty relief strategies.
- Ensure internal controls meet or exceed the standards required for programmes such as AEO, CTPAT, or equivalent regimes.
- Serve as the subject-matter expert for regulatory changes impacting cross‑border trade, translating legislation into practical business processes.
Operational Excellence & Optimisation
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that streamline customs processes and enhance efficiency throughout the supply chain.
- Partner with logistics, procurement, manufacturing, and commercial teams to mitigate trade risks while unlocking cost‑saving opportunities.
- Lead audits, internal assessments, and root‑cause analysis to strengthen operational robustness.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, government authorities, and external advisors.
- Support cross‑functional teams on complex trade topics, providing training, guidance, and hands‑on support as needed.
- Represent the company in industry forums and regulatory discussions where appropriate.
Experience & Requirements
- Significant experience in trade compliance, customs management, or international trade within FMCG or a similarly complex, multinational environment.
- Deep technical knowledge of EU customs legislation, international trade agreements, and global regulatory frameworks.
- Proven track record of managing AEO certifications or similar compliance programmes.
- Strong leadership capabilities, with experience influencing senior stakeholders and navigating matrix organisations.
- Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands‑on operational execution.
- Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
- Professional certifications (e.g., customs broker licence, trade compliance accreditation) are highly desirable.
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a high‑performing, global organisation where trade compliance plays a central role in strategic decision‑making. The successful candidate will influence transformation across a complex international supply chain and help shape a world‑class compliance function.
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