Associate Trade Compliance Manager

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies.

With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.

Position Summary:

The Associate Manager, Trade Compliance is responsible for executing and enhancing compliant import/export operations across key EU countries. This role ensures adherence to the EU Customs Union, Union Customs Code (UCC), Dual-Use regulations, and internal Global Trade Compliance (GTC) standards.

As a non–people leader, this position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) and operational partner, driving compliance excellence, mitigating regulatory risk, and enabling efficient cross-border movement of goods, including clinical trial materials.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Compliance & Execution

• Execute and oversee compliant import/export transactions in alignment with EU customs regulations and internal policies.

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of customs data, including HS classification, origin determination, valuation, and licensing.

• Monitor daily operations to identify compliance risks, deviations, and process gaps; take corrective action as needed.

• Support adherence to AEO requirements, special procedures, and country-specific customs regulations.

Subject Matter Expertise & Advisory:

• Act as a regional SME for EU trade compliance, providing guidance to internal stakeholders on import/export requirements.

• Interpret regulatory requirements (UCC, Dual-Use, local customs rules) and translate them into operational practices.

• Advise on compliance implications for shipments, new lanes, and business initiatives.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance compliance, efficiency, and standardization.

• Support digital transformation initiatives, including automation of customs documentation and workflows.

• Develop, track, and analyze KPIs to monitor compliance performance and drive continuous improvement.

Audit, Governance & Risk Management:

• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and ensuring audit readiness.

• Maintain accurate compliance records in line with internal control frameworks and quality systems.

• Partner with Corporate GTC, Internal Audit, and Quality teams to address findings and implement corrective actions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Partnership:

• Collaborate with Logistics, Clinical Supplies, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal teams.

• Serve as a key point of contact for trade compliance-related inquiries within the region.

• Support business continuity by proactively addressing compliance risks impacting supply chain operations.

External Stakeholder Coordination:

• Partner with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to ensure compliant execution.

• Review broker activities and documentation for accuracy and compliance with company standards.

• Assist in managing communications with customs authorities when required.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or related field) or equivalent experience.

• ~4-6+ years of EU trade compliance experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Ability:

• Strong knowledge of EU customs regulations, UCC, Dual-Use controls, and import/export processes.

• Experience with classification, origin, valuation, and licensing requirements.

• Familiarity with AEO programs and customs procedures preferred.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP or customs management systems is a plus.

When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience—and where your contributions truly make a difference.

Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs!