Customs Director

Customs Director

Location: Amsterdam Region, Netherlands (Hybrid Working)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: Freight Forwarding, Logistics & Supply Chain

Reporting To: Managing Director

About the Company

Investigo are partnered with a leading international freight forwarder providing air, ocean, road freight, customs brokerage, and supply chain solutions across Europe and global markets. As part of our continued growth in the Benelux region, they are seeking an experienced Customs Director to lead our customs operations, compliance strategy, and customs brokerage teams across the Netherlands.

This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to shape customs operations within a dynamic, international environment while ensuring compliance with evolving EU and global trade regulations.

Position Overview

The Customs Director will be responsible for the overall leadership, compliance, operational performance, and strategic development of the customs function. The successful candidate will oversee customs brokerage operations, drive process improvements, ensure regulatory compliance, and act as the primary customs expert for customers, regulatory authorities, and internal stakeholders.

The role requires a strong understanding of Dutch, European Union, and international customs regulations, combined with proven leadership experience within freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or global trade environments.

Key Responsibilities

Customs Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the customs strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead and mentor customs managers, team leaders, and brokerage teams across the region.
• Drive operational excellence and standardization across all customs processes.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on compliance, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the senior customs advisor to executive leadership and key customers.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full compliance with Dutch Customs regulations, EU Customs Code (UCC), and international trade requirements.
• Maintain and strengthen customs authorization programs including AEO certifications.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and implement required changes across the organization.
• Lead internal compliance reviews and support external customs audits and inspections.
• Establish robust customs governance, controls, and risk management frameworks.

Operational Management

• Oversee import, export, transit, bonded warehouse, and special customs procedures.
• Ensure customs declarations are processed accurately and efficiently while maintaining service level agreements.
• Drive productivity, quality, and operational performance improvements.
• Implement KPIs and reporting frameworks to monitor operational effectiveness.
• Manage escalations relating to customs delays, inspections, penalties, and compliance issues.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Serve as the primary customs subject matter expert for strategic customers.
• Partner with sales and account management teams to develop customs and trade compliance solutions.
• Support customer onboarding and implementation projects.
• Identify opportunities to expand customs brokerage and trade advisory services.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customs authorities, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.

Digitalisation & Process Improvement

• Lead customs technology initiatives and automation projects.
• Drive the implementation and optimization of customs software and digital platforms.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through process re-engineering and data-driven decision making.
• Support broader business transformation initiatives across operations and compliance functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Law, or a related field.
• 10+ years of customs experience within freight forwarding, customs brokerage, logistics, shipping, or international trade.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing customs operations and teams.
• Strong knowledge of Dutch Customs regulations, European Union Customs Code (UCC), and global trade compliance requirements.
• Experience managing customs audits, compliance programs, and regulatory relationships.
• Proven ability to lead operational and strategic change initiatives.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience supporting customer-facing customs solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized customs, international trade, or compliance certifications.
• AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) expertise.
• Experience with bonded warehousing and special customs procedures.
• Strong understanding of import/export controls, tariff classifications, customs valuation, and origin regulations.
• Experience working within multinational freight forwarding or logistics organizations.
• Familiarity with leading customs management systems and digital customs platforms.