Interim Global Customs Manager

Interim Global Customs Manager

Location: Parma, Italy/Normandy (Hybrid preferred)
Duration: 6-8 months
Start: Immediate

Overview

We are supporting a global organisation in securing an Interim Global Customs Manager to ensure continuity across EU customs operations during a critical period.

This role sits at the intersection of compliance, operations, and regional business support, with responsibility for maintaining seamless import/export activity across multiple European entities.

You will act as the go-to customs authority, ensuring regulatory adherence while enabling uninterrupted equipment and service flows across regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on expertise across customs regulations, tariff classification, and rules of origin
• Support and oversee daily customs operations (c.3,700 import declarations annually within the EU)
• Validate broker instructions and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Act as a business partner to regional teams, advising on cross-border equipment and service flows
• Serve as the primary escalation point for customs-related issues and drive resolution
• Manage relationships with external brokers, authorities, and internal stakeholders
• Define and implement a customs governance framework, including standardised broker instructions
• Support audits and key regulatory initiatives, including CBAM, EUDR, and AEO compliance

Candidate Profile

• 5-10 years' experience in global customs and trade compliance
• Strong background managing EU import operations and regional coordination
• Experience operating within structured group compliance frameworks (eg TLI or equivalent)
• Proven ability to work hands-on in high-volume operational environments
• Strong stakeholder management across regional and global functions
• Languages: English + French or Italian

Why This Role?

• High-impact interim assignment with immediate business criticality
• Exposure to multi-country EU operations and global trade flows
• Opportunity to shape customs governance frameworks and compliance standards
• Work within a complex, matrixed international environment