Head of Customs Development (all genders)

The Customs team at Zalando plays a crucial role in managing and optimizing our relationships with customs authorities, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and software vendors. This position involves taking ownership of these relationships to ensure the definition, development, and delivery of initiatives to provide our customers with elevated service levels. Your expertise will drive our customs warehousing, import and export processing, enabling simplified customs procedures, and ensuring ongoing compliance. Zalando’s hybrid work setup enables you to work from home for up to three days per week, and to work from our office in Berlin two days a week, fostering collaboration and team alignment.

WHAT WE'D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

Customs Steering:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with 3PLs, software providers, and customs authorities

• Lead and manage these relationships, ensuring the delivery of work meets the required standards and timelines

• Manage projects with internal and external dependencies from initial preparation through application, implementation, and ongoing compliance

• Collaborate with the wider VAT and TAX team and legal teams to best support customers and projects

• Stay updated on legislative, regulatory, and technical changes in customs and international trade

• Identify opportunities arising from changes in the customs and trade environment

Key Account Management:

• Develop and maintain strategic, long-term relationships with 3PLs and software vendors to achieve both growth and company objectives

• Suggest solutions that address stakeholders' and customers’ needs

• Serve as the central contact point for selected key 3PLs, software vendors, and internal teams

• Research, evaluate, and source new potential partners

• Measure, track, and analyze key account metrics

• Create reports to ensure transparency

Customs & Global Trade Projects / Team-Lead:

• Manage and further develop the Customs Project team

• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for flawless project execution

• Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget

• Develop project scopes and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical feasibility

• Use appropriate verification techniques to manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs

• Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques

• Report and escalate issues to management as needed

• Perform risk management to minimize project risks

WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

You are experienced in Business Development and Key Account Management with over 10 years of experience and a strong background in customs and global trade. You thrive in complex environments, possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and have a proven aptitude for networking and building relationships.

• MA in business administration or a similar relevant field

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

• Aptitude in networking and building relationships

• Excellent time and project management skills

• Ability to prioritize and meet critical deadlines

• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits. Here’s an overview of what you can expect. For more details, ask your Talent Acquisition Partner.

• Employee shares program

• 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners

• 2 paid volunteering days a year

• Hybrid working model with 60% (or more) remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration

• Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year

• 25 days of vacation a year

• Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)

• Family services, including counseling and support

• Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)

• Mental health support and coaching available

Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us 

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit.

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process.

do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy
 

Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-group