Head of Customs

GEODIS; Zürich; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

GEODIS Switzerland is seeking a Head of Customs to lead all customs activities across Switzerland from Zurich or Basel offices. You will define the organizational structure, build high-performing teams, and drive end-to-end customs operations.

The role focuses on compliance with Swiss, EU and international regulations, management of AEO certifications, and ongoing process optimization through digital tools and automation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in customs brokerage, customs operations, or trade compliance.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience managing multi-site customs operations.
• Extensive knowledge of German, EU, and international customs regulations.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Experience working with customs authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all customs-related activities across Switzerland, establishing a unified organization.
• Oversee customs clearance for imports, exports, transit, and special procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Swiss, EU, and international regulations and drive process excellence.
• Drive automation, digitalization, and standardization across locations.
• Represent the company with authorities and industry groups; manage budgets and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic planning

Communication skills

People management

Job description

We are looking for a Head of Customs to be part of GEODIS Switzerland! This position can be absed in our Zurich or Basel offices.

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 166 countries and more than 49, 720 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF Group.
This position is also open to anyone recognized as a disabled worker.

Job Description:

1. Leadership and Organization Management

• Lead all customs-related activities across Switzerland.
• Establish a unified customs organization covering both standalone customs brokerage operation and customs activities embedded within transport operations.
• Define organizational structures, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
• Build and develop a high-performing customs teams.

2. Customs Operations Management

• Oversee all customs clearance activities for imports, exports, transit, and special customs procedures.
• Ensure seamless execution of customs services across all operational platforms and business units.
• Monitor operational performance, service quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement operational standards and best practices across all customs locations.
• Drive operational efficiency through process optimization, automation, and digitalization initiatives.

3. Compliance, Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with Swiss, EU, and international customs regulations.
• Maintain and continuously improve the company's customs compliance framework.
• Oversee AEO certifications, customs authorizations, licenses, and regulatory approvals.
• Act as the highest escalation point for customs audits, investigations, claims, and compliancerelated matters.
• Ensure effective risk management processes are implemented throughout the customs organization.
• Maintain strong internal controls and governance standards.

4. Customs Authorities and External Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for customs authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with customs administrations and industry organizations.
• Represent the company in customs-related industry forums, working groups, and external meetings.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure timely implementation of changes.

5. Process Excellence and Digital Transformation

• Develop and implement country-wide customs operational standards.
• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement.
• Support implementation of customs technologies, OCR solutions, EDI integrations, AI tools, and productivity enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability.

6. Customer Management

• Support strategic customer relationships and act as executive escalation point for customs-related issues.
• Ensure customs solutions meet customer requirements while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with commercial and operational teams to improve customer experience and service delivery.

7. Financial and Performance Management

• Manage customs operational budgets and cost performance.
• Monitor key performance indicators including productivity, quality, compliance, profitability, declaration turnaround times, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop action plans to improve operational and financial performance.
• Support business growth through scalable and efficient customs operations.

8. People Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain customs talent.
• Establish training and development programs for customs employees.
• Ensure continuous professional development and regulatory training.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning activities.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years of customs brokerage, customs operations, or trade compliance experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience managing multi-site customs operations.
• Extensive knowledge of German, EU, and international customs regulations.
• Strong understanding of AEO requirements, customs authorizations, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven experience managing customs operations, compliance programs, and organizational transformation.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working with customs authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Strong analytical, financial, and strategic planning skills.