Customs Director in UK

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