Senior Customs and Trade Compliance Manager

Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Manager Location: Germany (Hybrid) Industry: Retail / Consumer Goods Level: Senior Manager Function: Customs, Trade Compliance, Import/Export, Global Trade 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 🤝 Collaborative culture with strong investment in compliance 🚀 Opportunity to build and shape the future of the function How to Apply If you're a senior-level customs & trade compliance professional looking for your next step in a dynamic retail environment, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV or reach out directly for a confidential discussion.