Senior Director Customs Compliance (m/f/d)

adidas; Luzern; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

adidas seeks a seasoned leader to head Global Customs Compliance in Switzerland. You will ensure full regulatory compliance, streamline processes and manage a global duty exposure around EUR1.4bn, guiding tariff classification, valuation and audits across markets.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, partner with Finance, Sourcing and Tech, and represent adidas in international trade forums. The role includes audits, disputes management, and driving cost reduction while sustaining supply chain

Qualifications

• 10+ years in customs related roles.
• Excellent English and cross-cultural communication.
• University level education or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead tariff classification, valuation, and audits.
• Review country duties and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage audits and disputes with external attorneys.
• Shape and optimize customs processes across functions.

Skills

Global customs

Stakeholder mgmt

Compliance reviews

Global operations

Research & analysis

Negotiation

Staff development

Supply chain

Education

University degree

Job description

Purpose

Lead the global customs compliance function, ensuring full compliance with relevant customs legislation while streamlining processes and procedures to ensure maximum efficiency. Responsible for a global annual duty cost of EUR1.4bn. Support the operation of customs processes globally, identifying and implementing best practice. Managing or supporting Global Customs involvement in supply chain / tech projects as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Global Customs functional teams. Ensure all functional teams are managed efficiently and compliantly. Ensure high standards of compliance and performance are achieved in tariff classification, preferential duties, customs valuation, audits, legal disputes and customs product development.
• Review duty paid by country and identify opportunities to mitigate / delay costs, prioritising the top 10 countries by annual duty paid.
• Manage customs risks for the company in areas such as customs valuation, preference and classification, and support any customs audits on these areas globally. Maintain risk register for customs, reporting to the Board.
• Manage active audits and on-going legal disputes. Manage a network of external attorneys to support in audits and disputes.
• Shape, build and optimise customs processes in all functions with the aim of reducing costs while ensuring full compliance with relevant governmental regulations.
• Maintain relationships with Customs teams at a local level and ensure all audits are properly managed and fully supported by all functions.
• Provide support to markets in obtaining and retaining supply chain security status (e.g. AEO and C-TPAT). Identify and implement appropriate measures to maintain the AEO status of adidas.
• Ensure master customs manuals detailing processes, procedures and controls are maintained. Support markets t roll-out local versions. Review breaches of supply chain security arrangements and identify global implications.
• Conduct compliance reviews in conjunction with the local operation teams to support continuous improvement and consideration of best practices. Provide feedback to Market Heads on performance.
• Offer customs technical expertise to Markets globally, particularly on supply chain security accreditations and broker selection and management.
• Manage claims to preference (circa EUR500m savings per annum) and liaise with Sourcing on allocation strategies.
• Lead ad hoc projects assigned. Ensure successful project execution and on-time completion by managing project materials and research, generating schedules and reports, managing minutes from meeting, and updating project progress to project stakeholders/sponsors /senior management.
• Represent adidas on International Trade and Customs committees, ensuring that the Group has advance information of potential developments.

Key Relationships

• Customs Teams - Markets
• Supply Chain Management – Transport & Logistics, Distribution Team
• Customs authorities
• Group Finance (incl Taxes – VAT and TP teams)
• Global Sourcing
• Global Tech
• External software providers
• Trade Bodies
• External advisors / Attorneys

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• In depth knowledge of global customs legislation on valuation, classification, special trade programs, customs procedures, and supply chain security
• Experience of stakeholder management including up to Board level
• Experience of completing compliance reviews
• Experience of working within a global customs environment
• Strong research, writing, communication and analytical skills
• Experience of negotiating with customs authorities globally
• Experience of managing and developing staff
• Experience of supply chain operations

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in customs related functions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with all levels in a cross-cultural environment, both written and oral in English.
• Educated to University level or equivalent practical experience
• Ability / willingness to travel essential

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.