Job Description

Job Purpose
The Global Customs & Trade Manager is accountable for the end-to-end management, governance, and continuous improvement of Straumann Group's global customs and international trade compliance operations. The role combines hands-on operational leadership with a forward-looking, strategic mandate, ensuring robust compliance execution today while shaping a scalable, resilient global trade compliance framework to support Straumann's long-term growth and supply chain transformation.
Acting as the global subject matter expert for customs and trade compliance--particularly with deep expertise in Swiss, EU and U.S. customs regulations--the role provides day-to-day operational guidance, resolves complex compliance matters, and proactively mitigates customs and trade risks across the organization. In parallel, the role drives global standards, process harmonization, and optimization initiatives in close collaboration with regional teams and corporate functions.
The position reports to the Global Head of Logistics & Distribution, and operates within a highly matrixed global environment, partnering closely with E2E Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, Legal, Quality & Regulatory, and regional operations.
The role is based at Straumann Group's global headquarters in Basel and requires minimal regional/international travel (approximately 10%) to support compliance oversight, audits, transformation initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Global Customs & Trade Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain Straumann's global customs and trade compliance strategy, policies, and procedures
• Act as the global subject matter expert for customs and trade regulations, with deep hands-on responsibility for Swiss, EU and U.S. customs laws, supporting day-to-day operations and issue resolution

• Ensure compliance with applicable customs, trade, and border regulations, including import/export controls, valuation, classification, free trade agreements, and origin rules
• Lead customs audits, internal reviews, and interactions with customs authorities

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the global customs and trade compliance roadmap aligned with Straumann's supply chain strategy
• Drive duty optimization, risk mitigation, and simplification initiatives across the global network
• Act as customs and trade signatory for supply chain design decisions, trade flows & contribute to global transformation projects (e.g., network design, ERP enhancements, new market or product launches)
• Anticipate regulatory changes and proactively assess their impact on Straumann's business
• Lead customs risk assessments, audits, and internal controls; manage interactions with customs authorities and external auditors

Governance, Training & Stakeholder Management

• Establish global customs governance, including KPI tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide functional leadership and guidance to regional customs and trade resources
• Act as a trusted partner to Global Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, Legal, Quality & Regulatory, and regional teams
• Build internal customs and trade capability through training, coaching, and best practice sharing
• Manage and develop relationships with customs brokers, consultants, and authorities

Requirements needed
Education

• Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, Law, or a related field
• Familiarity with SAP GTS or similar global trade management systems
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• German proficiency is strongly preferred; additional languages are a plus

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in customs and international trade compliance, preferably in a global manufacturing or medical device / life sciences / similarly regulated environment
• Strong, demonstrable expertise in Swiss, EU and U.S. customs and trade regulations
• Hands-on experience with tariff classification (HS/HTS), customs valuation, origin determination, and free trade agreements
• Proven experience working with customs authorities, brokers, and external service providers

Personal Attributes

• Compliance-driven with a pragmatic, business-oriented mindset
• Ability to translate complex regulations into practical and scalable business solutions
• Proactive, results-oriented mindset with ability to operate independently while influencing cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills in a global matrix organization
• Structured, resilient, and comfortable managing ambiguity during transformation

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Employment Type: Full Time
Alternative Locations: Switzerland : Basel
Travel Percentage: 0 - 10%
Requisition ID: 19730

Skills Required