Customs - Import/Export Leader

In breve

The Customs, Import/Export Leader will join Avio Aero, a global aerospace supplier that designs, manufactures and services engines, components and technical data for commercial and defence customers. In this senior role you will be the primary driver of customs and trade‑compliance strategy, ensuring that the movement of parts, engines, spare components and related technical information across borders meets all regulatory requirements while keeping costs low and delivery on schedule. Your daily work will involve steering the end‑to‑end customs process for both inbound and outbound aerospace goods, from raw material intake to finished‑goods export. You will guarantee accurate tariff classification, customs valuation, origin determination and complete documentation, while actively resolving holds or clearance issues that could jeopardise on‑time delivery for MRO, production or customer programmes. The position also requires you to lead export‑control activities such as product classification, licensing, screening and end‑use reviews, and to collaborate closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, Engineering and the Internal Trade Compliance team on high‑risk transactions. In addition, you will drive strategic projects like AEO authorisation, product‑classification programmes and the digital transformation of customs processes, and you will monitor key performance indicators, develop training programmes and support internal and external audits. To be considered, you must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Trade, Economics, Law, Engineering, Business Administration or a closely related discipline, and you must be fluent in written and spoken English. A valid work visa in accordance with local regulations is required. The role demands extensive experience in customs, trade compliance and import/export operations within a highly regulated industrial setting, preferably in aerospace or high‑tech. Proven leadership experience, either through direct team management or leading cross‑functional compliance initiatives, is essential. You must possess deep expertise in export‑control licensing for controlled goods and technologies, and demonstrate strong knowledge of EU customs legislation, HS classification, customs valuation, origin rules and special procedures relevant to aerospace. Advanced analytical and reporting abilities, including solid Excel skills, are also required. Additional qualifications that would strengthen your application include postgraduate studies or professional certifications in Customs, Trade Compliance or Export Control. The employer also values a high level of integrity, sound judgment, strong risk awareness, and excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities, especially in fast‑paced operational environments. A proactive, results‑driven mindset focused on compliance, quality, delivery and continuous improvement is regarded as a plus. What the role asks for: - Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Trade, Economics, Law, Engineering, Business Administration or related field - Fluent written and spoken English - Valid work visa per local regulations - Significant customs and trade‑compliance experience in a regulated industrial environment - Proven leadership of teams or cross‑functional compliance projects - Expertise in export‑control classification and licensing - Strong knowledge of EU customs legislation, HS classification, valuation and origin rules - Proficiency in Excel for analytical and reporting tasks - Postgraduate studies or professional certifications in Customs, Trade Compliance or Export Control (nice-to-have) - High integrity, sound judgment and strong risk awareness (nice-to-have) - Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills in fast‑paced settings (nice-to-have)