Global Head Customs & Trade Compliance

Gi Group UK; Basel; Vor Ort; CHF 250.000 - 400.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

Novartis Basel seeks a highly experienced Global Head of Customs & Trade Compliance for a part-time temporary assignment. You will shape the strategy, policies, and core CTC processes, overseeing risk management, issue resolution, and audit management across the organization.

You will partner with regional and local teams, Fundsflow, Indirect Tax, and Transfer Pricing to ensure guidelines are implemented worldwide, driving compliant, efficient global trade operations with a strong leadership

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in Economics, Law, or a related discipline; customs/trade qualifications preferred.
• Fluent English; German or another Swiss language is a strong advantage.
• 8+ years in Customs & Trade Compliance with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Aufgaben

• Lead CTC global strategy, policies, and internal standards across Novartis.
• Collaborate with regional and local teams to ensure compliant CTC services.
• Design processes; monitor controls, audits, and risk management; advise on projects.
• Develop governance and KPIs; manage CTC-related matters with IT and Finance.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Economics/Law/related field

Customs/International Trade qualifications

Tools

SAP ERP

Jobbeschreibung

On behalf of our pharmaceutical client, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for an exciting part-time temporary assignment with an immediate start as:

The Global Head Customs & Trade Compliance (CTC) is accountable for the global strategy, guidelines, and policies of the Customs & Trade Compliance function. The incumbent designs the core finance and supply chain processes related to Customs & Trade Compliance planning, risk management, issue resolution, and audit management. The Global Head works in close collaboration with the regional and local Customs & Trade Compliance teams as well as the Supply Chain Operations teams at all levels to ensure that guidelines and policies are implemented across the Novartis organization. This role actively monitors the global performance and delivery of the company's Customs & Trade Compliance obligations. Furthermore, the Global Head is responsible for managing the Customs & Trade Compliance implications of global strategic projects in close alignment with Fundsflow, Indirect Tax, and Transfer Pricing. The Global Head Customs & Trade Compliance will be part of the leadership team.

Main Tasks Leading CTC

• Partner with stakeholders at the global, regional, and local levels to ensure high-quality, timely, and compliant CTC services.
• Ensure cross-divisional engagement and alignment for decisions impacting CTC.
• Develop and roll out the Global CTC Strategy, Policies, and Internal Standards, safeguarding Novartis' assets and interests.
• Set direction and act as the overall subject matter expert for strategic planning, CTC advisory services, risk management, issue resolution, and audit management.
• Maintain close connections with the global CTC community to identify emerging trends, potential challenges, and opportunities for Novartis, and represent Novartis' interests in trade organizations.

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure that global guidelines and policies are implemented and strictly followed by internal associates and external partners (e.g., customs brokers and consultants) in all CTC-relevant transactions.
• Ensure adherence to embargoes and other trade restrictions by designing and implementing appropriate processes and controls across all activities.
• Monitor changes in customs and trade regulations, define adaptation guidelines and policies, and collaborate closely with divisional, regional, and country business leaders, the regional and local CTC organizations, the Global Indirect Tax team, Fundsflow, and Transfer Pricing.
• Design processes and tools, including data management and ERP functionality, to effectively and efficiently implement standards and controls in day-to-day operations. Provide countries with a compliance framework, tools, and templates.
• Ensure that an effective and aligned CTC control framework is established and rolled out across the organization, while monitoring controls, issues, audit findings, and action plans.

Planning & Structuring

• Establish a global stakeholder network to ensure strategic initiatives and business changes are identified, and CTC implications are assessed and addressed appropriately.
• Advise global functions such as NTO, GDD, and NIBR on CTC-related matters concerning strategic projects, audits, and litigation in alignment with Fundsflow, Indirect Tax, and Transfer Pricing.
• Design and monitor new CTC concepts (e.g., for new business setups) in close collaboration with Fundsflow, the Global Head of Indirect Tax, and the Global Head of Transfer Pricing.
• Identify requirements for CTC rulings, lead the preparation of supporting documentation, support negotiations with customs authorities, coordinate implementation, and monitor compliance with agreed terms.
• Identify and monitor customs duty liabilities and leakages, propose suitable mitigation measures, and implement them in collaboration with the Fundsflow, Indirect Tax, and Transfer Pricing teams.
• Define and implement the vendor strategy for external service providers, such as customs brokers.

People & Self-Development

• Design and implement a CTC governance structure with clear accountabilities and responsibilities for global, regional, and local teams. Ensure each country has an appointed CTC-responsible manager.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating an inclusive, proactive, respectful, agile, innovative, and results-driven leadership style with a strong customer-service focus.
• Serve as the center of competence and knowledge-sharing hub for all CTC-related matters, including providing regular updates to the global CTC network.
• Build and develop talent while fostering a continuous improvement mindset throughout the organization.
• Train and develop the CTC organization on technical matters and support professional development initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate staffing of the overall CTC organization with the required expertise, including technical, business partnering, and data science capabilities.

Key Performance Indicators

• CTC strategy and review processes defined and successfully rolled out.
• Timely review and efficient impact analysis of external developments (e.g., changes in EU or OECD regulations).
• Proactive and timely support of ongoing business projects.
• Development, engagement, and retention of CTC associates.
• Implementation of an effective and efficient governance structure agreed upon with Supply Chain Operations and associated functions (NTO, GDD, and NIBR).
• Effective communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, including Indirect Tax, Transfer Pricing, Finance (Global, Regional, Country, and Fundsflow), Supply Chain Operations, and IT.
• Accurate and timely support on Customs & Trade Compliance matters.
• Operation within the agreed annual budget, business plan, and customs duty spend targets.

Ideal Background & Technical / Professional Knowledge and Skills Education

• Master's degree in Economics, Law, or a related discipline, ideally complemented by additional qualifications in Customs, International Trade, or Trade Compliance.
• Fluent English is required. German and/or another Swiss national language would be a strong advantage.
• A successful career within a Big Four consulting firm and/or a reputable law firm specializing in customs and trade matters, combined with substantial in-house Customs & Trade Compliance management experience (8+ years).
• Expert knowledge of Customs & Trade Compliance, including strategic planning, advisory, and dispute resolution experience.
• Strong ERP (SAP) expertise and the ability to collaborate effectively with IT functions.
• Proven leadership capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to challenge constructively.
• Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work successfully in cross-functional and international teams with a strong business mindset.

If you are a strategic and inspiring leader with deep expertise in Customs & Trade Compliance and are looking for a highly visible international assignment within the pharmaceutical industry, we look forward to receiving your application.