Logistics and Trade Compliance Senior Manager, EMEA

About the Role 

We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and detail-oriented Inbound Logistics and Trade Compliance professional to lead and manage all aspects of trade compliance across Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This role also oversees inbound transportation and is directly responsible for the management of regional Freight Forwarders, Customs Brokers, and Transportation Carriers. 

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in global customs regulations and logistics, combined with a strong track record of leading continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational performance. This is a critical leadership position that bridges compliance excellence with supply chain execution. 

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance: 

• Lead and manage trade compliance operations across the EMEA region, ensuring adherence to global trade policies and regional regulatory requirements. 
• Maintain compliance with all applicable customs and trade laws, including EU/U.K. regulations, sanctions, and export controls (e.g., EAR, ITAR, dual-use goods). 
• Develop, implement, and manage internal control procedures, SOPs, audits, and employee training programs. 
• Oversee accurate and consistent product classification (HTS, ECCN), country of origin determinations, and customs valuation. 
• Act as primary liaison with customs authorities and regulatory agencies across EMEA. 
• Manage and maintain licenses, permits, and approvals required for trade and transportation compliance. 

Inbound Transportation & Vendor Management: 

• Lead strategy and execution for compliant, timely, and cost-effective inbound transportation into the EMEA region. 
• Own the onboarding and management of Freight Forwarders, Customs Brokers, and Transportation Carriers, ensuring high performance, compliance, and value. 
• Establish and track KPIs to monitor vendor performance, drive accountability, and resolve service issues or escalations. 
• Partner with procurement, logistics, and finance to optimize landed cost and streamline the inbound supply chain. 

Continuous Improvement: 

• Lead and support cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance processes, reduce lead times, and lower transportation and duty costs. 
• Use data-driven analysis and root cause methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to identify inefficiencies and implement sustainable improvements. 
• Evaluate new tools, automation opportunities, and systems that improve compliance and logistics effectiveness. 
• Regularly review trade and logistics processes to ensure scalability and alignment with evolving business needs. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, or related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CUSECO, CCS, EU AEO) preferred. 
• 8+ years of progressive experience in international trade compliance and logistics, with at least 3 years in a leadership role in the EMEA region. 
• Deep understanding of regional customs regulations, trade laws, and international transportation practices. 
• Proven experience in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management. 
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement projects that drove measurable cost savings and operational enhancements. 
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills. 
• Fluent in English; additional EMEA language skills are a plus. 

Other Requirements 

• Travel Required - up to 20% across EMEA and globally, as required 
• Flexible work schedule to accommodate virtual meetings with other regions/time zones