Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA

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

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Employee discount

Diversity & inclusion

Global exposure

Job summary

VF Corporation in Stabio, Switzerland, is seeking a Senior Manager, Customs Trade Compliance EMEA to lead our regional customs organization from the European hub. You will steer a network of country leads, oversee in‑country teams, and partner with Supply Chain, Legal, Tax, and Finance to ensure compliant, efficient trade operations.

The role requires a bachelor’s in a related field and 10+ years of progressive customs or global trade experience, with proven leadership across dispersed teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 10+ years in customs/global trade compliance.
• Leadership experience managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong knowledge of EU/UK import/export regulations and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a network of Country Customs Leads across Europe and UK.
• Oversee in-country customs compliance teams and governance.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Legal, Tax, and Finance to drive compliant operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and regional customs strategy.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory expertise

EU trade compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain

Bachelor’s degree in International Trade

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

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well‑being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• 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.

VF Corporation habille les consommateurs partout dans le monde grâce à son portefeuille diversifié de marques emblématiques de style de vie, notamment Vans®, The North Face® et Timberland®. Fondée en 1899, VF est l’une des plus importantes entreprises mondiales de vêtements, de chaussures et d’accessoires. Elle exerce ses activités de façon socialement et écologiquement responsable dans de nombreuses régions du monde, catégories de produits et canaux de distribution. VF s’engage à offrir des produits novateurs aux consommateurs et à créer une valeur durable pour ses clients et ses actionnaires.

VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.

VF s’engage à créer un environnement inclusif qui accueille et valorise les différences parmi tous ses associés, ses clients, ses fournisseurs et les collectivités où nous vivons et exerçons nos activités. Le succès et la croissance continus de VF sont renforcés par des initiatives qui favorisent la diversité à l’échelle mondiale.

VF s’engage à offrir l’égalité des chances en matière d’emploi et à traiter ses associés et ses candidats sans discrimination fondée sur la race, la couleur, le sexe, l’âge, l’origine nationale, la religion, l’orientation sexuelle, l’identité ou l’expression de genre, l’état matrimonial, la citoyenneté, un handicap, le statut d’ancien combattant protégé, le statut VIH/sida ou tout autre motif protégé par la loi.

VF s’engage à répondre aux divers besoins des personnes en situation de handicap dans des délais raisonnables, conformément aux principes d’autonomie, de dignité, d’intégration et d’égalité des chances. Pour ce faire, VF s’efforcera de cerner, de prévenir et d’éliminer les obstacles à l’accessibilité partout où cela est possible, tout en respectant les exigences en matière d’accessibilité prévues par l’ADA, la LAPHO (AODA) et toute autre réglementation provinciale, étatique ou locale applicable.

VF s’engage à assurer l’accessibilité numérique, à se conformer aux Règles pour l’accessibilité des contenus Web (WCAG) 2.1, niveau AA, ainsi qu’aux normes de conception accessible de l’ADA et de la LAPHO (AODA), et à toute autre réglementation applicable.

Si vous avez besoin d’une mesure d’adaptation ou si vous avez des questions concernant cet énoncé, veuillez transmettre votre demande à [e-mail].

VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business.

VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected basis.

VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility requirements under the ADA, AODA and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations.

VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, LevelAA and complying with the ADA and AODA Standards for Accessible Design, and other applicable regulations. If you need an accommodation or have any questions regarding this statement, please send your request to [e-mail].