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

3M; Langenthal; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Manager, Import/Export Trade Operations EMEA, to lead the global execution and standardization of import/export operations. You will manage EMEA Trade Compliance Operations and partner with Finance, Legal, IT and regional teams to align on compliance messaging and operational excellence.

You will oversee customs broker execution worldwide, drive continuous improvement, and ensure regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Extensive direct experience in trade compliance system integration, customs operations, 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 global business environment.
• Business-level written and verbal English communication

Responsibilities

• Lead global execution and standardization of import/export operations across 45 countries.
• Manage customs broker activities and internal self-filing programs.
• Integrate and improve customs processes within SAP GTS and digital platforms.
• Monitor metrics, drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement with Legal and IT partners.

Skills

Trade compliance

Customs operations

Customs brokers

SAP GTS

Intercompany transfers

Transfer pricing

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

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.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

At 3M, we believe diversity & inclusion are essential to innovation. We seek and value differences in people!

This Job ad is addressed to all potential candidates.

As an equal opportunity employer 3M will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race/ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity-related matters, age or disability, or any other relevant characteristic protected under applicable local law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.