Customs Manager

An international and market-leading logistics organisation is seeking a Customs Manager to lead and develop its customs and compliance function in the Rotterdam region. This is a strategically important position with responsibility for ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting operational continuity, and strengthening the organisation's customs framework as the business continues to grow.

The role requires a hands-on customs professional who combines deep expertise in European customs legislation with a practical, operational mindset. Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, the successful candidate will oversee compliance, support commercial objectives, and provide leadership to a growing customs team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a customs and trade compliance team, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Own and continuously improve the customs compliance framework, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with EU customs legislation, including customs declarations, classification, customs valuation, origin, and transit requirements.
• Provide expert guidance on direct and indirect fiscal representation and associated compliance risks.
• Support and maintain customs authorisations and compliance programmes, including AEO-related requirements.
• Prepare for and manage customs audits, inspections, and interactions with regulatory authorities.
• Act as the escalation point for complex customs matters, corrections, disputes, and compliance investigations.
• Advise customers on customs and trade compliance matters, helping them mitigate risk and improve processes.
• Drive implementation of new regulatory requirements, including developments relating to DMS, CBAM, sanctions compliance, and other relevant trade regulations.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, digitalisation, standardisation, and improved data quality.
• Maintain productive relationships with customs authorities, brokers, software providers, and external stakeholders.
• Provide training, guidance, and ongoing compliance awareness throughout the organisation.
• Contribute operationally when required, ensuring continuity during periods of absence or increased workload.

Profile

• Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
• Approximately 5+ years of experience within Customs & Trade Compliance.
• Strong knowledge of EU customs legislation and customs declaration processes.
• Experience managing customs compliance programmes, audits, and customs authorisations.
• Background within logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain, or 3PL environments.
• Previous leadership, coaching, or team management experience.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Experience engaging with customs authorities and managing external stakeholder relationships.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Practical and solutions-oriented approach.
• Excellent analytical and risk assessment skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Confident decision-maker with sound commercial judgement.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex regulations clearly.
• Highly organised with a structured and disciplined working style.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving logistics environment.
• Committed to maintaining compliance while supporting business growth and customer relationships.

Languages

• Dutch: Professional fluency required.
• English: Professional fluency required.

Interested?

This opportunity will suit an experienced customs and trade compliance professional with a strong logistics background, proven leadership capability, and a hands-on approach to managing both operational and strategic responsibilities. Candidates who enjoy developing teams, driving compliance improvements, and partnering with customers and regulatory stakeholders are encouraged to apply.