Customs and Trade Manager Mexico

Barry Callebaut Group; San Pedro Garza García; On-site; MXN 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

The Barry Callebaut Group seeks a Customs and Trade Manager for Mexico to lead IMMEX operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize cost controls across sites. You will govern customs, VAT, and inventory processes and act as the liaison with Mexican authorities.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 8–12+ years in customs and trade, and strong leadership. Fluency in Spanish and English, plus SAP/ERP and MS 365 experience, are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Customs, Law, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 8-12+ years of experience in customs and trade with strong IMMEX/Maquila exposure.
• 3-5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and/or cross-functional programs.
• Deep knowledge of Mexican Customs Law, RGCE, IMMEX Decree, Annex 24, Annex 30, VAT certification, pedimentos, HS classification, valuation, origin, and audits.
• Fluency in Spanish and English; excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day IMMEX/Maquila operations including temporary imports/exports, inventory balances, permits, certifications, and compliance calendars.
• Ensure Annex 24 and Annex 30 reporting and reconciliations.
• Oversee customs brokers, pedimentos, HS classification, valuation, origin management, documentation quality, KPI monitoring, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Finance and Tax teams to manage VAT and duty exposure, tax obligations, audit support, accruals, payment tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Act as the primary contact with ANAM, SAT, the Ministry of Economy, and other regulatory agencies during audits, inspections, renewals, and compliance requests.
• Translate regulatory requirements into practical processes across Operations, Logistics, Finance, Tax, Legal, IT, and Global Customs & Trade teams.
• Maintain customs and trade risk registers, lead internal and external audits, close findings, and strengthen internal controls.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, digitalization, and compliance-enhancing initiatives across customs and trade processes.
• Manage and develop the local customs and trade team on a day-to-day basis.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Master’s degree or customs/trade certification

Tools

SAP/ERP

Microsoft 365

Job description

About The Role

The Customs and Trade Manager Mexico is responsible for the overall management, governance, and compliance of customs and trade activities across Mexico, with a strong focus on IMMEX (Maquila) operations. This role ensures compliance with customs, tax, foreign trade, and inventory control requirements while supporting business continuity, operational excellence, and cost optimization. The position serves as the key liaison between business functions and Mexican authorities, helping maintain IMMEX benefits, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance across all Mexico sites.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead day-to-day IMMEX/Maquila operations, including temporary imports and exports, virtual operations, inventory balances, permits, certifications, and compliance calendars.
• Ensure accurate and timely Annex 24 inventory control and Annex 30 VAT certification reporting, including reconciliations and discrepancy resolution.
• Oversee customs brokers, pedimentos, HS classification, valuation, origin management, documentation quality, KPI monitoring, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Finance and Tax teams to manage VAT and duty exposure, tax obligations, audit support, accruals, payment tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Act as the primary company contact with ANAM, SAT, the Ministry of Economy, and other regulatory agencies during audits, inspections, renewals, and compliance requests.
• Translate regulatory requirements into practical processes across Operations, Logistics, Finance, Tax, Legal, IT, and Global Customs & Trade teams.
• Maintain customs and trade risk registers, lead internal and external audits, close findings, and strengthen internal controls.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, digitalization, and compliance-enhancing initiatives across customs and trade processes.
• Manage and develop the local customs and trade team on a day-to-day basis.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Customs, Law, Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree or customs/trade certification is preferred.
• 8-12+ years of experience in customs and trade, with strong exposure to IMMEX/Maquila operations, customs compliance, foreign trade, tax/VAT, or manufacturing supply chains.
• 3-5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and/or cross-functional programs.
• Deep knowledge of Mexican Customs Law, RGCE, IMMEX Decree, Annex 24, Annex 30, VAT certification, pedimentos, HS classification, valuation, origin, and customs audits.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex regulations and data.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Fluency in Spanish and English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 is required; SAP/ERP and customs systems experience is preferred.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong.

#oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.