Trade Compliance Manager Arabic Speaker

EssilorLuxottica; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

EssilorLuxottica seeks a Trade Operations Lead to shape the GCC program from Dubai. You will design and implement a robust Trade Compliance operation, partnering with Customs and regional stakeholders to ensure compliant import/export activities across GCC markets.

The role requires hands-on execution, data-driven decision making, and strong collaboration with global teams and external partners to scale operations while maintaining compliance. Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Qualifications

• Prior GCC region experience, with Dubai exposure and cross-border collaboration.
• Proven experience in import and export operations.
• Strong command of customs recordkeeping, reporting, post-entry management, review and reconciliation.
• Experience with customs brokers and freight forwarders, including integrated brokerage capabilities.
• Understanding of Free Trade Zones and airport operations.
• Familiarity with regional customs portals and practical filing workflows across GCC markets.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across regions, functions and authorities.
• Comfortable with data and digitization; proficient in MS Office, Excel and BI.
• English and Arabic language proficiency required.
• French and/or Italian a plus; additional languages welcome.
• Experience building or transforming Trade Compliance operations in scaling businesses.
• Ability to implement modern, cost-effective trade compliance approaches via processes, automation and tooling.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of scalable Trade Operations and Compliance for the GCC.
• Act as primary Trade Compliance contact in Dubai supporting GCC markets.
• Coordinate with France, Italy and Poland teams to align regional ops with global standards.
• Identify gaps in current operating models and design practical solutions.
• Create SOPs to support compliance, efficiency and scale.
• Develop a training program and deliver on-site sessions as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams, partners, customs, brokers and forwarders.
• Oversee customs recordkeeping, post-entry review and corrective actions.
• Drive disciplined oversight of import/export activities for compliant execution.
• Introduce digital tools and data-driven insights to improve visibility and control.

Skills

GCC region experience

Excel & BI

Data-driven mindset

Stakeholder management

English + Arabic

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Business Intelligence

CRM/ERP tools

Job description

We are a global leader in the design manufacture and distribution of ophthalmic lenses frames and sunglasses We offer our industry stakeholders in over 150 countries access to a global platform of high-quality vision care products such as the Essilor brand with Varilux Crizal Eyezen Stellest and Transitions iconic brands that consumers love such as Ray-Ban Oakley Persol Oliver Peoples Vogue Eyewear and Costa as well as a network that offers consumers high-quality vision care and best-in-class shopping experiences such as Sunglass Hut LensCrafters Salmoiraghi amp Vigan and the GrandVision network and leading e-commerce platforms Join our global community of over 190 000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry Discover more by following us on LinkedIn Your FutureInSight with EssilorLuxottica

Are you willing to pioneer new frontiers foster inclusivity and collaboration embrace agility ignite passion and make a positive impact on the world Join us in redefining the boundaries of what s possible

Your role

Essilor Luxottica s EMEA Trade Team is seeking a Trade Operations Lead to shape and build our Trade Operations capability across the GCC region based in Dubai This role will serve as the sole Trade Compliance representative in Dubai supporting the broader GCC business and acting as a key partner to regional and global stakeholders The successful candidate will play a foundational role in the design and implementation of a robust Trade Compliance operations program from the ground up working closely with Customs and Trade Compliance teams in France Italy and Poland This is a hands-on role that requires strong operational trade expertise and confidence in driving stakeholder influence process design training support and a practical data-driven mindset

Main responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a scalable Trade Operations and Trade Compliance program for the GCC region
• Act as the primary Trade Compliance point of contact in Dubai supporting the business across GCC markets
• Partner closely with Customs and Trade Compliance teams in France Italy and Poland to align regional operations with global standards and business objectives
• Assess current operating models identify Trade Compliance gaps and define practical solutions to strengthen processes controls and execution
• Design and implement standard operating procedures that support compliance operational efficiency and business scale
• Support the creation of a stakeholder training program including development of materials and on-site delivery of training where needed
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal business teams external partners customs authorities brokers and freight forwarders
• Support customs recordkeeping reporting post-entry review corrective actions and continuous improvement activities
• Drive disciplined operational oversight across import and export activities ensuring compliant and efficient execution
• Bring a modern forward-looking perspective to Trade Operations by identifying cost-effective methods digital tools and practical solutions that improve visibility control and scalability
• Use data reporting and business intelligence to deliver clear Trade Compliance insights and support informed decision-making especially in environments where systems and tools may still be maturing

Qualifications

• Prior experience in the GCC region, with direct experience working from and within Dubai in a role such as Trade Analyst, Customs Broker, and/or Trade Specialist.
• Proven experience in import and export operations.
• Strong command of customs recordkeeping, reporting, post-entry management, review, reconciliation, and continuous improvement.
• Experience working with customs brokers and freight forwarders, including providers with integrated customs brokerage capabilities.
• Understanding of Free Trade Zones and special airport operations.
• Familiarity with regional customs portals and practical customs filing and operational workflows across GCC markets.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across regions, functions, customers, service providers, and customs authorities.
• Comfortable working with data and digitization, with strong Microsoft Office, Excel, and Business Intelligence capabilities.
• Able to translate data into clear, actionable Trade Compliance messages in the absence of robust tools or systems.
• English and Arabic are required.
• French and/or Italian language skills are a strong plus.
• Additional languages are highly welcome.
• Experience helping build or transform Trade Compliance operations in a scaling or evolving business.
• Ability to identify and implement 21st-century, cost-effective approaches to Trade Compliance through better processes, automation, data use, and pragmatic tooling.
• Comfortable working across time zones.
• Experience working in a matrixed, international environment with cross-border stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a builder: practical, credible, and comfortable operating independently in-region while staying tightly connected to global teams. They know how to balance compliance rigor with business reality, can spot gaps quickly, and are able to convert ambiguity into structure, process, and scalable execution. They are equally comfortable engaging with customs authorities, brokers, business stakeholders, and senior regional partners.