EMEA Import/Export Trade Operations Manager (m/f/*)

3M; Langenthal; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

3M in Langenthal, Switzerland, seeks a Manager, Import/Export Trade Operations EMEA to lead global execution and standardization of import/export processes across 45 countries. You will manage trade compliance operations, build a cohesive regional structure, and partner with International Transportation, Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, IT, and Governance leaders.

Key activities include implementing a global customs operating model, overseeing broker execution, integrating SAP GTS, and driving

Qualifications

• Extensive direct experience in trade compliance and customs operations.
• Experience leading multi-country customs compliance ops teams.
• Experience with SAP GTS and self-filing broker activities.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Experience in intercompany sales and transfer pricing related to customs valuation.
• Ability to work with cross-functional stakeholders in a global business.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing the global customs operating model, including standardised processes and regional frameworks.
• Managing customs broker execution worldwide, including third-party and internal self-filing activities.
• Leading integration and improvement of customs processes within SAP GTS and digital platforms.
• Monitoring global trade operations metrics and driving root-cause analysis and action plans.
• Leading customs audit readiness and engagements with authorities in collaboration with Legal and Governance.
• Partnering with international teams to ensure consistent compliance messaging and alignment.
• Translating regulatory requirements into practical guidance and training content.

Skills

Trade compliance

Global teams

Stakeholder mgmt

SAP GTS

Transfer pricing

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Master's preferred (nice-to-have)

Tools

SAP GTS

Job description

Job Description

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

As the Manager, Import/Export Trade Operations EMEA, you will lead the global execution and standardization of 3M's import and export operations. The role is responsible for direct management of EMEA Trade Compliance Operations and has global responsibility for trade operations execution standardization across 45 countries by managing internal and external team performance, building a cohesive operating structure across four regional Trade Compliance Operations teams, and partnering with International Transportation, Legal, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, IT, and Global Trade Compliance Governance leaders.

Here, you will make an impact by:

• Developing and implementing the global customs operating model, including standardized import/export processes, regional execution frameworks, performance management, training, and coaching.
• Managing customs broker execution worldwide, including third-party and internal self-filing customs broker activities.
• Leading the integration and continuous improvement of customs operational processes within SAP GTS and related digital execution platforms.
• Monitoring global trade operations execution metrics and program performance, driving root-cause identification, continuous improvement, corrective actions, and adoption.
• Leading customs audit readiness, customs authority engagements, corrective action management, and regulatory response activities in partnership with Legal and Trade Governance.
• Managing transfer pricing adjustments in certain countries for intercompany imports and leading customs valuation methodology operational implementation evaluations.
• Partnering as a trade expert with International Transportation, Legal, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, IT, and regional teams to drive consistent compliance messaging and organizational alignment.
• Translating regulatory requirements into clear, practical guidance and learning content, while promoting a strong culture of compliance through communications, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M is looking for candidates who meet following minimum requirements:

• Extensive direct experience in trade compliance system integration, customs operations, customs broker management, trade program management, or related fields.
• Experience developing and leading customs compliance operations teams located in multiple countries.
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders in a complex, multi-industry global business environment.
• Experience with the SAP GTS customs compliance module, including self-filing customs broker execution, customs bonded warehouse operations, and free trade zone operations.
• Experience with intercompany sale transactions and transfer pricing as relates to customs valuation.
• Business-level written and verbal communication skills in English.

Additional knowledge / nice-to-have skills / preferred qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Bachelor's degree or higher; a master's or professional degree is preferred.
• Experience in EU and Middle East import/export operations, or another regulated environment.
• Experience evaluating and implementing trade compliance operational execution improvements at scale.
• Familiarity with trade compliance risk assessment methodologies, customs audit response management, and corrective action management.
• Strong project and program management capabilities.
• Experience influencing and collaborating with global, cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, presentation, facilitation, and change management skills.

Job specifics:

• Work location: Langenthal, Switzerland
• Travel: May include up to 20% domestic and international travel.

Does this opportunity and our innovative 3M culture align with your career aspirations? If so, we encourage you to apply and embark on a journey of creativity and growth with us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Resources for You

For more details on what happens before, during and after the interview process, check out the Insights for Candidates page at 3M.com/careers.

If you have further questions please reach out to Max (our AI Virtual Assistant) via our Career Page.

Max will be also your primary contact for interview scheduling if you are selected for that stage: please be prepared to interact with her.

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