Customs Director

PURPOSE OF THE JOB
At Bleckmann, we do manage various business units warehousing, forwarding, transport and Customs (VAT).
In the context of the rapid growth of the group, and to take the group forward as a strategically clear, organizationally coherent and culturally strong organization, Bleckmann is looking for a Customs Director to lead the Customs and VAT business unit and related processes.
The company is relying on this executive to ensure that all indirect tax matters both internally as well as for clients of the group meet standards and are error-free. Bleckmann has today in the team a strong knowledge in customs and VAT related manners but would like to reinforce the team with a strong professional to oversee the business unit and further align the business strategy.
The focus in this position will be on leading the various customs and VAT operations within the organization and take full responsibility of full business unit P&L. The Customs Director must be meticulous and analytical, with deep knowledge of indirect tax practices. The company expects you to be reliable, with strong organizational skills, as well as expertise in risk management and compliance to assist and advise clients of the group on various Customs and VAT topics.
TASK DESCRIPTION
Business efficiency and standardization
Lead initiatives to
standardize and automate
to implement an efficient Customs processes
across the different countries
as part of the Bleckmann objectives to establish a sustainable growth in the next couple of years
Define the company
strategy for Customs and VAT
operations across the Bleckmann group
Implement a future
target operating model
for the Customs organization
Evaluate the
effectiveness of business processes
and based on your analysis you make recommendations to advise the business on how to improve
(Customs) Compliance
Lead initiatives to
implement improvement solutions
for Customs compliance processes
Drive the further development and implementation of an efficient
Customs compliance framework
with market conform targets
Responsibility for the implementation and roll-out of a
risk based test cycle
including risk management and control management over operations’ effectiveness, financial reliability and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations
Business partnering and responsibility
Manage the customs and VAT considerations towards internal and external stakeholders
Internal
Maintain open communication with
senior leadership team
, including quarterly business review
Lead the
internal management reporting process
together with the area managers
Oversee the communication channels within the team
External
Manage the relationship with tax authorities and
external
advisors
Inform and follow-up of onboarding of new and existing clients
VAT
Take responsibility for the VAT fiscal representation process within Bleckmann for the various countries as part of the Indirect Tax business unit
Provide development and support on indirect tax matters including the indirect tax implications of business decisions both to clients and internal stakeholders
Finance
Take responsibility and ownership on the business unit P&L together with the various country managers
Review and optimize the billing process within the department
Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings
Facilitate the sharing of indirect taxes standard methodology across the finance teams and other stakeholders
REQUIREMENTS
Technical competencies
Proven experience as a cross-border Customs Manager with relevant experience to manage the various functions within the Customs environment
Organizational and leadership abilities
In-depth understanding of Customs and VAT practices
Updated knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Integrity and reliability
Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel), Customs and accounting software
Strong mathematical and analytical skills
Personal qualities & skills
You are driven, structured and have a can-do mindset.
You are critical to own and others work and drive to get the best result by challenging teams
You exhibit a proactive and self-starting attitude, capable of working independently and adopting a hands-on approach to tasks.
You think innovative and creative, and you have attention for detail.
You are a team leader, capable to manage cross-border teams
You are customer-oriented with focus on understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring solutions are tailored and effective.
You are ready to work in a global context, necessitating cultural sensitivity and effective communication across different teams, and willingness to travel.
Experience & Education
You have a Master’s degree in Tax Law or Economics, Management, Engineering
You have minimum 10 years’ experience in an international environment
Communication skills
Language Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English , facilitating clear and effective interaction both within the company and with external partners.
Knowledge of other European languages is considered as a plus