Global Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist (m/f/d)

Global Customs & Trade Specialist (m/f/d) – Germany (Reutlingen)

Responsibilities

Global Customs Governance & Risk Transparency

• Conduct a group-wide customs and trade compliance assessment (classification, valuation, origin, FTAs, procedures)
• Identify compliance risks, financial exposure, and audit gaps
• Prepare structured risk assessments and recommendations for the CFO and senior management

Advisory Role & Second Line of Defense

• Act as an independent customs subject‑matter expert for central functions and plants
• Serve as escalation point for complex customs, origin, and trade compliance topics
• Ensure clear separation between operational customs execution and compliance oversight

Policies, Processes & Minimum Standards

• Develop and maintain light‑weight global customs guidelines and minimum standards
• Define roles, responsibilities, escalation paths, and documentation requirements
• Lay the foundation for a pragmatic customs internal control framework (ICS/IKS)

Authorities, Audits & External Stakeholders

• Act as central contact for customs authorities, auditors, and external advisors
• Support preparation and coordination of customs audits and authority inquiries
• Govern and review customs brokers and service providers from a compliance perspective

Systems, Data & Enablement

• Support quality and consistency of customs‑relevant master data
• Act as functional advisor or key user for customs and trade compliance systems (e.g. SAP GTS)
• Identify process and system improvement opportunities together with Finance and IT

Role Development Perspective

• Provide fact‑based recommendations on future customs organization and governance needs
• Support a potential phased evolution of the customs setup, if required

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of professional experience in customs, foreign trade, or trade compliance
• Strong practical knowledge of customs classification, valuation, origin, and free trade agreements
• Experience in global manufacturing (preferably automotive) and international or multi‑country corporate environment
• University degree in Business, Logistics, International Trade, Law, or comparable qualification
• Experience with ERP and customs compliance systems (e.g. SAP GTS, SAP S/4, AEB) is an advantage
• Experience in Maquiladora or similar tax‑related entities in Mexico and the US is preferred
• Willingness to travel 15-20% annually

Our offer

• A permanent, full‑time position
• A mixed team of fresh talent and long‑standing employees
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• A structured induction program
• An attractive remuneration package