Overview

A leading international logistics and supply chain organization is seeking a Customs Team Lead to oversee and develop customs operations while leading a team of customs professionals in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.

This position combines people leadership, operational oversight, customs compliance, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient and compliant customs clearance activities, supporting customers and stakeholders, driving team performance, and maintaining the highest standards of service and regulatory compliance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced customs professional looking to take the next step into a leadership role within a global logistics environment undergoing significant transformation and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of customs specialists to ensure high levels of performance, engagement, and service delivery.
• Oversee daily customs clearance activities, ensuring timely processing of import and export declarations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant customs legislation, trade compliance requirements, and security regulations.
• Manage workload planning, resource allocation, and operational priorities to meet customer requirements and service-level agreements.
• Act as the primary escalation point for complex customs issues, delays, and operational challenges.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, customs authorities, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor customs procedures, processes, and controls to ensure operational accuracy and compliance.
• Analyse operational performance through KPIs and reporting, driving corrective actions where required.
• Support training and development initiatives to strengthen technical customs expertise across the team.
• Ensure adherence to internal policies, procedures, and industry best practices.

Profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience within customs, international trade, freight forwarding, or logistics operations.
• At least 2 years of leadership, supervisory, or team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations, import/export procedures, and trade compliance requirements.
• Experience managing customs declarations across multiple transport modes.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering high levels of operational performance.
• Strong understanding of customs systems and related technology platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Qualification in Logistics, Customs, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is considered advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of customs compliance and international trade regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder and customer relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and quality standards.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and compliance.
• Effective communication and coaching skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and customs management software.

Languages

• English: Professional proficiency
• Dutch: Preferred

Interested?

If you have a strong background in customs operations and are looking for an opportunity to lead a high-performing team within a global logistics environment, we'd be pleased to discuss this opportunity with you.

For further information, please contact Costantino Sartori.