Senior Customs and Trade Compliance Manager

Location: Germany (Hybrid)

Level: Senior Manager

About the Role

We're supporting a leading retail organisation in Germany that is expanding its global supply chain and strengthening its Customs & Trade Compliance capabilities. As part of this growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Manager to lead the company's customs strategy, regulatory adherence, and cross‑border trade operations across key markets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a high‑impact, visible role shaping compliance frameworks, driving optimisation, and supporting the business through continued international expansion.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Manager, you will own and elevate the company's Customs & Trade Compliance function. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve customs & trade compliance strategies across Germany and EU operations
• Act as the primary point of contact for customs authorities, external partners, and internal senior stakeholders
• Lead initiatives related to regulatory changes, risk mitigation, and compliance governance

Operational Excellence

• Oversee import/export processes to ensure full alignment with German law, EU customs legislation, and the Union Customs Code (UCC)
• Manage HS classification, valuation, preferential origin, and tariff optimisation
• Supervise customs declarations and documentation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency

Compliance Maturity & Governance

• Drive internal audits, controls, and compliance monitoring
• Lead or support AEO certification, renewals, and related improvement programs
• Ensure robust record‑keeping and documentation in line with legal standards

Process & Cost Optimisation

• Identify and implement customs duty-saving opportunities and process efficiencies
• Support digitalisation and automation projects within customs operations
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Procurement & Legal

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Mentor and support junior and mid‑level compliance specialists
• Provide clear guidance, training, and communication to wider business teams
• Partner with senior leadership to influence strategic decisions and supply chain design

About You

Required Experience

• 7+ years of experience in Customs, Trade Compliance, Import/Export, or Global Trade roles
• Strong knowledge of EU customs law, UCC regulations, and German customs procedures
• Advanced experience with HS classification, origin, valuation & customs optimisation
• Proven success interacting with customs authorities and managing audits
• Previous experience in retail, consumer goods, or high-volume supply chain environments preferred

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with detail-oriented compliance mindset
• Ability to influence stakeholders across all business levels
• Strong analytical skills and process improvement mindset
• Excellent communication skills in German and English
• Experience leading projects or teams

What’s On Offer

• Hybrid working in Germany/Austria
• Critical leadership role within a growing organisation
• Exposure to global supply chain expansion projects