Global Customs and Trade Compliance Manager
Global Customs and Trade Compliance Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Global Customs & Trade Compliance Manager to lead our international customs and trade governance framework. Based in Basel, Switzerland, you will operate within a hybrid working model, combining on‑site collaboration with remote flexibility.
This senior position is crucial for ensuring our global operations comply with EU, UK, US, and other international customs and trade regulations. You will play a strategic leadership role within a highly regulated healthcare environment (pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices), partnering with executive, supply chain, legal, and quality stakeholders to safeguard compliant, efficient cross‑border flows of products.
Responsibilities
- Lead the global customs & trade compliance program, setting strategy, governance, and operational standards.
- Ensure full compliance with EU UCC, UK customs regulations (HMRC), US CBP/BIS export controls, sanctions regimes, and healthcare‑specific import/export requirements.
- Oversee advanced HTS/TARIC/UK Global Tariff/ECCN product classification and global classification governance.
- Manage customs valuation, rules of origin, FTA management, special customs regimes, and duty optimisation initiatives.
- Lead global audits, investigations, and risk assessments, ensuring CAPA implementation.
- Approve and oversee export licences, customs authorisations, and healthcare‑related regulatory documentation.
- Strengthen global screening processes (sanctions, denied parties, export controls, controlled substances).
- Serve as primary senior liaison with customs authorities, healthcare regulators, brokers, and global logistics partners.
- Drive digital transformation of trade compliance systems (SAP GTS, Amber Road, OCR; ERP/QMS integrations).
- Develop and deliver global training, capability-building programs, and compliance culture initiatives across regions.
Experience & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Trade, Law, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, or related fields.
- 7-10+ years of progressive global trade compliance experience, including senior leadership.
- Deep expertise in EU, UK, and US customs regulations, export controls, sanctions, and classification frameworks.
- Proven experience working in pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other regulated environments.
- Strong system capability with SAP GTS, Amber Road, or similar trade compliance platforms.
- Fluency in English; German strongly preferred.
Preferred:
- Experience with GDP/GMP‑related import/export requirements and controlled substances.
- Knowledge of healthcare regulatory frameworks impacting cross‑border product movement.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CUSECO, CCS, CRCM).
What We Offer:
- A senior, high‑impact role within a leading regulated healthcare organisation in Basel, one of Europe's top life sciences hubs.
- A hybrid working model combining on‑site collaboration with remote work flexibility.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for long‑term professional development.
- Exposure to global leadership teams and the ability to shape a world‑class trade compliance function.
- A dynamic, international environment committed to compliance excellence and continuous improvement.
FAQs
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