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EMEA International Trade Compliance Manager

  • Poland
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We have been retained by a globally recognised innovator in scientific technologies and laboratory solutions to recruit an EMEA International Trade Compliance Manager based in Europe.

The company is undergoing a global trade compliance transformation, and this role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of trade operations across the dynamic European region. If you’re a strategic thinker with deep regional expertise in international trade regulations, this is a high-impact leadership role that blends policy, operations, and cross-functional collaboration in a globally respected enterprise.

The International Trade Compliance Manager owns the regional trade compliance program and manages the day-to-day operations that keep goods moving compliantly and efficiently. This is a hands-on leadership role balancing regulatory oversight, program governance, and stakeholder training with operational management. The role partners closely with customs brokers, 3PLs, internal business teams, and global ITC colleagues to embed compliance into business processes while enabling growth and operational efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities:

1) EMEA Program Leadership, Governance & Risk 

  • Own and continuously improve the EMEA trade compliance program covering the region; embed controls across business processes.

  • Monitor, interpret, and communicate changes in trade regulations, tariffs, sanctions, and trade programs; translate into practical business guidance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) updates.

  • Lead risk assessments, internal control design, internal & external audit readiness, investigations, and CAPA tracking to timely closure.

  • Design, publish, and maintain work instructions; contribute to the regionalisation and adoption of global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies.

  • Define and report KPIs/metrics. 

2) Management of the Operational Execution (Customs & Export Controls) 

  • Together with Logistics, ensure secure and compliant cross-border daily movements; coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and 3PLs for timely clearance and delivery.

  • Serve as escalation (2nd line) for customs brokers to resolve border clearance issues; step into 1st line as needed to keep freight moving.

  • Implement and enforce import/export clearance procedures on the ground (documentation, Incoterms, power of attorney, instructions to brokers).

  • Manage the full lifecycle of import/export licenses and permits (application, maintenance, usage tracking, audits, renewals); coordinate with competent authorities and engineering/ops for technical scope alignment.

  • Monitor border financials (duties, VAT, indirect taxes); partner with Tax/Finance on compliance and optimization opportunities.

  • Act as 1st line of contact for Governmental Agencies and competent authorities across EMEA; coordinate responses and site visits. 

3) Data & Insights 

  • Act as a data-driven leader, generating clear and insightful trade compliance reports. 

  • Interpret data and translate findings into actionable recommendations for operations, risk mitigation, and optimisation opportunities. 

  • Provide well-informed decision support to management through trend analysis, scenario modelling, and impact assessments of regulatory or operational changes. 

5) Training, Collaboration & Change Management 

  • Participate in the development and delivery of role-based trade compliance trainings for supply chain, logistics, sourcing, R&D, sales/customer service, and finance.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams (Logistics, Procurement, Planning, Engineering/R&D, Quality, Tax/Finance, Legal, Customer Service) to embed compliance into business practices and product life cycles.

  • Collaborate with ITC Global Delivery colleagues for classification, screening, and operational support; align on global standards while tailoring to EMEA requirements.

  • Provide advisory and consulting support to the regional ITC Advocate network to ensure consistent implementation of the EMEA program across all active jurisdictions 

Required Experience & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Law, or related field.

  • 7–10+ years in international trade compliance across EMEA with combined experience in customs operations and export controls; experience in a hands-on manager capacity preferred. 

Preferred Skills & Attributes:

  • Strong knowledge of EU Union Customs Code (UCC), EU DualUse Regulation (EU) 2021/821, UK customs & export control frameworks, and awareness of US EAR/ITAR and global sanctions where extraterritorial impact may apply.

  • Proven experience with HS/ECCN classification, rules of origin (preferential & non-preferential), customs valuation, and preferential programs (FTAs). 

  • Demonstrated success managing customs brokers/3PLs and resolving border issues under time pressure. 

  • Experience managing licenses/permits and communicating with government authorities in EMEA. 

  • Proficiency with ERP (e.g., SAP/Oracle) and trade compliance systems (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes, Amber Road, or similar). 

 

Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent advisory firm that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG and Sustainability and Audit professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. These are global disciplines with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.

 

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