Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA

VF Corporation; Kreis Stabio; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On site gym

50% VF brand discount

Complimentary hot drinks

Break out areas

Job summary

VF Corporation in Stabio, Switzerland, seeks a Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA to lead the regional customs function. You will direct a network of Country Customs Leads across Europe and the UK, shaping strategy and ensuring regulatory compliance.

This role partners with Supply Chain, Legal, Tax, and Finance to drive governance, process improvements, and measurable outcomes. A strategic leader with global trade expertise is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in customs or international trade.
• Proven leadership of geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong understanding of EU/UK import/export rules.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a network of Country Customs Leads across Europe and UK.
• Oversee in-country customs compliance teams and audits.
• Develop governance frameworks, policies, and internal controls.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Legal, Tax, and Finance on strategic objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in compliance and operational excellence.

Skills

Customs expertise

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, international trade, business, law, accounting, logistics, or related field

Job description

VF Corporation is looking for a Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA based in Stabio, Switzerland.

Let’s Talk About The Role

At VF, we believe world-class trade compliance is a competitive advantage. We are seeking a highly accomplished Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA to lead our customs organization from our global headquarters in Stabio, Switzerland.

How You Will Make a Difference

As Senior Manager, you will lead a network of Country Customs Leads across multiple EU Member States and the UK and oversee customs and trade compliance teams located within VF's distribution centers throughout the region. You will serve as a strategic partner to Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Legal, Tax, Sourcing, and Commercial teams, helping VF navigate an increasingly complex global trade environment.

This role offers the opportunity to shape regional customs strategy, drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and contribute directly to VF's growth and transformation agenda.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a network of Country Customs Leads across multiple European jurisdictions and the United Kingdom.
• Provide leadership and direction to in-country customs compliance teams located within VF's regional distribution centers.
• Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, performance management, and organizational capability building across the customs function.
• Act as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for senior leadership on customs and trade compliance matters.

Customs Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable import and export customs regulations across the EMEA region.
• Establish and maintain robust customs governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on business operations, proactively implementing necessary changes.
• Manage customs audits, inquiries, and interactions with customs authorities and government agencies.

Business Partnership & Operational Excellence

• Collaborate closely with regional and global stakeholders across Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Legal, Tax, Sourcing, Product Development, and Commercial teams.
• Translate strategic customs objectives into operational initiatives and measurable business outcomes.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that enhance customs compliance, operational efficiency, and service levels.
• Drive standardization and best-practice sharing across markets, countries, and distribution centers.

Skills For Success

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader who combines deep technical customs expertise with strong people leadership capabilities. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing across organizational levels, and building strong partnerships across functions and geographies.

You thrive in a fast-paced international environment and are passionate about developing teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring VF remains at the forefront of customs and trade compliance.

Educational/ Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, International Trade, Business, Law, Accounting, Logistics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in customs, international trade, or global trade compliance.
• Proven leadership experience managing geographically dispersed teams and complex regional operations.
• Strong understanding of customs regulations, import/export compliance, tariff classification, valuation, origin, and duty management within Europe and international trade environments.
• Experience working with customs authorities, brokers, and government agencies.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading customs compliance operations across multiple European countries.
• Working knowledge of UK customs regulations and post-Brexit trade requirements.
• Experience within a multinational consumer goods, apparel, retail, manufacturing, or logistics environment.

What’s In It For You

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
• Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.