Leonid Group has been retained by a leading manufacturing company to appoint a Trade Compliance Manager for their German operations. This TC Manager oversees all aspects of trade compliance related to import/export customs procedures, export control regulations, international cargo security initiatives, and trade automation systems. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on management to ensure adherence to company policies and customs laws. The manager is responsible for facilitating smooth and compliant international trade operations while acting as the main liaison for both internal teams and external partners.
Responsibilities
* Responsible for managing policies, procedures, internal controls, vendor relationships, and employee training to ensure compliance with laws governing import/export, export controls, and cargo security of goods and technology.
* Develop and communicate strategic plans and compliance gaps to senior management (EMEA Trade Compliance Manager and GM Operations Germany).
* Continuously review and improve OEM and MRO customs processes to promote a culture of ongoing enhancement.
* Indirectly supervise the customs administrator and import/export specialists.
* Investigate and resolve compliance issues and respond to queries from internal teams, customers, and regulatory bodies.
* Manage customs brokerage and forwarder processes, driving process improvements and monitoring service providers against KPIs and SOPs.
* Oversee the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program for Germany.
* Provide guidance on economic sanctions and support military and dual-use export control licensing compliance.
* Ensure data accuracy for tariffs, country of origin, and declared values submitted to Customs.
* Implement and manage trade compliance IT solutions, including Precision software.
* Conduct audits and risk assessments, reporting findings and following up on improvement plans.
Requirements
* Advanced degree in international trade, business administration, or law preferred; minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, ECoP, or equivalent certification.
* Strong understanding of EU, Swiss, and US export licensing and controls, tariff classification, valuation, country of origin rules, customs, and supply chain security programs (AEO).
* Familiarity with ITAR and BIS regulations.
* Knowledge of International Cargo Security Certification.
* Ability to engage confidently and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint) and Power BI.
* Experience with Precision software.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
* Proactive, assertive, customer-focused with a bias for action.
* Effective collaborator in a matrix environment.
* Skilled in conducting training sessions and presenting to large groups.
* Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%.
* Fluent in English and German.
What’s on Offer
* The opportunity to join a global company with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability
* A collaborative and international working environment
* Attractive, market-aligned compensation, including performance-based incentives
* Employer-funded company pension scheme
* Ongoing support for personal and professional development
* Free on-site parking
The Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent acquisition consultancy that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Trade Compliance & Ethics professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. Legal and compliance are both global, 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.