Customs and Trade COE Manager

About the role:

The Customs and Trade Center of Excellence (COE) Manage is a proactive leader in driving the transformation of our global customs and trade organization. This role focuses on leading continuous improvement initiatives, fostering innovation, setting global standards for customs operations, working out and implementing the most beneficial use of Free Trade Agreements for BC and customers, and enhancing the skills and capabilities of the Customs community globally. 

Key responsibilities:

Strategy and Transformation: 

• Lead the transformation strategy for customs and trade, focusing on digitization, simplification, and operational excellence, aligning with global customs processes and objectives. 

• Drive innovation by adopting new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance customs and trade operations, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with industry standards. 

• Standardize best practices across regions and align global customs procedures with the needs of the global supply chain to improve operational standards and efficiency. 

Collaboration and Integration: 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT, supply chain, finance, logistics) to integrate global customs operations with broader supply chain initiatives. 

• Collaborate with R&D/Quality/Sourcing/Tax and other functions to ensure accurate HS classifications, origin determination and valuation 

Performance Management and Governance: 

• Oversee the development and tracking of KPIs and performance dashboards, using data analytics to assess performance and guide improvements. 

• Establish strong governance frameworks to ensure compliance with customs regulations, mitigating risks associated with global trade operations. 

• Lead performance reviews and audits to identify improvement opportunities and ensure compliance with evolving customs legislation (e.g., EU, NAFTA). 

Training, Knowledge Sharing, and Skill Development: 

• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs to upskill and continuously develop the Customs and Trade community, while maintaining a global knowledge-sharing platform to exchange insights and best practices. 

• Develop and lead the creation of a knowledge and skill matrix for the Customs and Trade community, enhancing the knowledge, capabilities, and expertise of team members through targeted learning and development initiatives. 

Team Leadership and Continuous Improvement: 

• Mentor and develop regional customs teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and innovation. 

About you:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Economics, Law, Logistics, International Trade, or a related field. 

• 5-10 years of proven operational experience in customs and trade, ideally in a global company with international trade flows.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, with additional languages being a plus.  

• Familiar with concepts as classification, origin, valuation, free trade agreements.

• In-depth knowledge of global customs regulations, trade laws, and import/export compliance requirements. 

• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean, TPM, or Six Sigma. 

• Experience in developing and delivering training programs and skill development initiatives within the Customs community. 

• Exceptional analytical abilities, with experience turning large data sets into actionable insights. 

• Experience in identifying opportunities to optimize trade operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through collaboration with procurement, logistics, and other departments. 

• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive change across a global, multicultural organization. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP ERP systems, and other customs-related tools. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to provide strategic guidance, negotiate with stakeholders, and represent the company in discussions with customs authorities and industry groups.