Trade & Customs Operations Manager

Company Description As Trade & Customs Operations Manager, you will lead and develop Trade & Customs operations across the Logistics Continent, ensuring our cross-border flows are efficient, compliant and built for future growth. You will set priorities for continent Trade operations and work closely with local Trade & Customs teams and Global Trade. The role combines strategic leadership with operational responsibility, covering import and export flows, performance, compliance, cost, risk and continuous improvement. In this role, you will: Lead continent Trade operations across cross-border inbound, outbound, returns and DC movement flows. Define operational goals and priorities and lead Trade teams across the continent towards common objectives. Work closely with local Trade & Customs teams, following up operational performance, KPIs, costs and data quality. Own and follow up the continent Trade budget, including financial reporting, duty costs and Trade Operations-related invoice control. Ensure compliance with import and export standards and requirements for commercial and non-commercial goods moving under customs control. Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement, balancing cost, service levels, sustainability and end-to-end flow performance. Lead Trade security and risk management activities across the continent. Build strong relationships with Trade suppliers and follow up performance, compliance, agreed targets and SLAs. Support Trade-related procurement needs and participate in procurement processes. Act as a key Trade & Customs contact for markets across the continent. Collaborate closely with Global Trade to strengthen compliance, performance and cross-continent synergies. Support the establishment and development of local Trade & Customs teams as the business expands. Stay close to end-to-end logistics performance, KPIs, operational issues and risks. Identify opportunities to improve sustainability from social, economic and environmental perspectives. Where applicable, oversee continent inland haulage operations from port to distribution centre. WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will connect teams and perspectives across the Logistics Continent to create strong, compliant and efficient Trade operations. You will work closely with: Local Trade & Customs teams Global Trade Continent Markets Logistics and cross-border operations teams Commercial and procurement stakeholders Trade suppliers and external partners You will play an important role in connecting local, continent and global perspectives and turning them into practical priorities and actions. WHO YOU ARE We are looking for someone who combines deep Trade & Customs expertise with strategic thinking, strong leadership and a hands-on approach to execution. We believe you have: Deep expertise in strategic Trade processes, international trade operations and compliance. Strong knowledge of import/export operations, Trade documentation and customs-controlled goods. A strong strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to turn trends and future developments into clear plans and actions. Good understanding of end-to-end logistics, particularly international shipping, procurement and vendor management. Strong commercial understanding and experience working with budgets, operational costs and performance follow-up. The ability to manage multiple priorities and delegate effectively in a complex environment. Experience building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at different levels of seniority. Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to plan, organize, delegate and enable teams to deliver. Experience driving change and implementing new ways of working. Understanding of both retail and online business needs. And importantly, you enjoy bringing people together. You are curious, analytical and open-minded, and you know how to move b