Customs Project Manager

DHL Express, Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DHL Express, Inc. in the United States seeks a Project Manager, Customs to lead large-scale digitalization initiatives across U.S. import/export operations.

You will oversee programs from concept to implementation, ensuring on-time delivery within scope and budget, in partnership with Operations Digitalization Transformation Team and BIT. The role requires senior leadership, exceptional stakeholder management, and the ability to influence regional and global teams.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Network Operations, Customs Operations, BIT for Operations or similar.
• PMO experience or equivalent required.
• Experience with customs clearance systems or trade compliance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage large-scale project and program initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Apply formal project management methods, RAID, milestones, governance, reporting.
• Lead cross-functional influence and communication with BIT, Operations, and global teams.
• Drive change management with training materials, SOPs, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure on-time delivery within scope and budget across multisite customs programs.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

JIRA

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

What makes DHL great? Our People! We know each employee's individual contributions make us the #1 Delivery and Logistics Company in the world.

Distinguished as No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine

DHL is committed to maintaining an environment that empowers every team member to make the greatest possible impact on our business. Our culture is about personal commitment - to our business, to each other and to our global communities. DHL is dedicated to being a great place to work. In addition to competitive compensation packages, our employees enjoy a range of programs, services and benefits that bring the best to their personal lives.

Start YOUR career with DHL today...

The Project Manager, Customs leads and delivers large-scale, cross functional digitalization initiatives designed to strengthen customs clearance performance, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate the customer experience across U.S. import and export operations. This role oversees complex programs from initial concept through full implementation, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Working in close partnership with the Operations Digitalization Transformation Team and Business IT (BIT), the Senior Project Manager provides clear, consistent, and professional visibility to stakeholders at all levels. Success in this role requires a seasoned project leader with strong operational expertise, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence regional, global, and multi-functional environments. The position collaborates extensively with Operations, BIT, Compliance, Quality, and external providers to design, execute, and scale customs digitalization programs that support both regional growth and global strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Project & Program Management

• Apply formal project management methodologies, including scope definition, RAID tracking, milestone planning, governance cadence, and reporting.
• Translate project requirements and stakeholder interests into actionable objectives and tasks, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, ensuring prioritization, risk mitigation, and adherence to agreed timelines and budgets.
• Track and report performance outcomes, tool adoption, operational improvements, and benefits realization to ensure delivery of measurable business value.

Cross-Functional Influence & Communication

• Maintain structured and transparent communicationwithBITUSAandRegionalOPSleadersandglobal…
• Lead change management efforts to promote adoption of new tools and processes, including development of training materials, communication plans, and targeted country support.
• Work closely with global EGAP program teams to ensure alignment with global standards, effective knowledge sharing, and high-quality deliverables.
• Act as a trusted advisor to operational leaders, proactively addressing concerns and driving alignment.

Change Management

• Create communication plans, training materials, SOP updates, and operational readiness assessments.
• Drive adoption across multisite and customs operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in Network Operations, Customs Operations, BIT for Operations, or comparable environments.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from initiation to completion Exposure to customs clearance systems, trade compliance tools, or regulated operational environments strongly preferred.
• PMO or equivalent through experience.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into operational language.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Analytical and critical-thinking mindset with a strong results orientation.
• High attention to detail and disciplined execution.
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications:

• _Working knowledge of DHL clearance applications (e.g., GCCP, DCE, PCT) or similar systems._
• _Experience with project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project, Smartsheet)._
• _Experience supporting training programs, SOP development, or structured stakeholder engagement._
• _Familiarity with Change management methodology_
• _Customs Broker's License preferred_

Employee Benefits & Incentives

DHL benefits and incenti