Global Customs Operations Leader – Transform & Optimize

Kuehne+Nagel; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne+Nagel is seeking a senior operational leader to shape the future of our customs business across 40+ countries, with location flexibility in Europe and a preference for the UK. You will lead large-scale change initiatives, drive productivity, and build high-performing teams to deliver measurable results.

In this role you will collaborate with operations, technology, sales, and compliance to optimise processes, automate where possible, and centralise standardized activities with shared

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, customs, shipping, or related operational environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing international teams and driving organizational transformation.
• Strong business and commercial acumen, including budget, cost, or P&L responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success delivering productivity improvements or large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical capabilities with data-driven decision making.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional projects in an international matrix organization.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with ability to influence at all levels.
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve customs operations across a global network, driving consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
• Deliver productivity and efficiency gains through process optimization, automation, and technology-enabled transformation.
• Drive outsourcing and centralization of standardized customs activities with shared service teams.
• Identify, develop, and implement innovative operational solutions that support growth and scalability.
• Support onboarding of new customs business opportunities, ensuring smooth operational implementation.
• Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to understand business needs and deliver value-added solutions.
• Lead cross-functional projects across operations, technology, sales, business development, and compliance functions.
• Inspire and develop teams while fostering accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Analytical capabilities

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Fluent English

Job description

Kuehne+Nagel is seeking a senior operational leader to shape the future of our customs business across 40+ countries, with location flexibility in Europe and a preference for the UK. You will lead large-scale change initiatives, drive productivity, and build high-performing teams to deliver measurable results.

In this role you will collaborate with operations, technology, sales, and compliance to optimise processes, automate where possible, and centralise standardized activities with shared