Key Skills

Job Description

Role Overview As Team Leader Customs Brokerage, you will lead and develop our customs declarants team in Rotterdam. You will be responsible for building the team, guiding its growth, and ensuring high standards of compliance and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Manager EMEA Customs Brokerage & Trade Compliance, you will play a key role in shaping the customs function in the Netherlands, supporting our logistics service provider operations. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the customs team, ensuring accurate and compliant execution of all customs formalities including import, export, and transit declarations. You will act as the primary liaison with Dutch Customs authorities and other government agencies and provide expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders. You will also be responsible for implementing and optimizing digital customs systems, monitoring regulatory changes, and ensuring the team remains compliant and efficient. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires strong communication, prioritization, and customs expertise. Key Responsibilities · Lead, mentor, and develop a team of customs declarants, fostering a collaborative and high- performing culture. · Oversee and ensure accurate, timely, and compliant execution of all customs formalities (import, export, transit) for diverse commodities (apparel, DIY-products, retail, etc.). · Ensure compliance with all relevant customs regulations, internal procedures, and company policies. · Use and support digital customs systems (DMS, Softpak, Portbase, Customaite). · Liaise with Dutch Customs authorities and other government agencies. · Advise internal and external stakeholders on customs and trade compliance matters. · Conduct and support internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and proper documentation. · Monitor regulatory changes and ensure team compliance with Dutch and EU customs regulations. · Support digitalization initiatives and process improvements. · Review and approve complex declarations and non-fiscal obligations (CITES, Health & Safety, Food & near-food requirements). · Manage and resolve escalated issues, discrepancies, and exceptions in customs clearance processes. · Ensure proper (HS) classification, Origin Determination and valuation of goods. · Maintain and improve operational efficiency, identifying opportunities for process optimization. · Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) for customs operations. · Coordinate with logistics, warehouse, and transport teams to ensure smooth customs clearance and timely delivery. · Provide expert guidance and support to declarants on technical customs matters. · Ensure proper record-keeping and archiving of customs documentation in accordance with legal requirements. · Represent the company in industry forums, working groups, and with external brokerage partners as needed. Requirements Education & Certification · Higher Professional education level of working and thinking (HBO, University of applied sciences) · Completed vocational training in Customs, logistics and/or international trade · Additional customs certifications (e.g., EVO-Fenedex, FENEX, Customs Knowledge, or comparable) are a strong plus. Experience · Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in customs clearance (import, export, transit), ideally in a logistics service provider environment. · Proven experience in leading and developing teams of customs declarants. · Experience with complex declarations and non-fiscal obligations (CITES, Health & Safety, Food & near-food requirements, etc.). · Sector experience with apparel, DIY, or retail commodities is highly valued. § Experience with Customs Licenses and management thereof (e.g., AEO, Approved Exporter). Technical Skills · Strong MS Office skills. · Strong knowledge of customs and trade-related legislation like Excise, CBAM, EUDR, Sanctions & Boycotts etc · Strong Understanding of VAT and (Limited) Fiscal representation · Experience with digital customs systems (DMS, Softpak, Portbase, Customaite). Languages · Fluent in Dutch and English, both written and spoken (mandatory). Proficiency in German is a pro. Personal Skills · Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to inspire and guide a team. · Strong prioritization, organizational, and time management abilities. · Analytical mindset and attention to detail. · Proactive, customer-oriented, and solution-driven. · Comfortable liaising with (customs) authorities and clients. · Passion for team-building and organizational development. What We Offer · Competitive salary and 13th month pay · Participation in global bonus plan. · Employer-financed public transport ticket or transport subsidy. · Company pension scheme. · Flexible working hours and hybrid working model. · Regular training and excellent development opportunities within APL Logistics worldwide. · Supportive, open team culture in a centrally located Dutch office (Rotterdam).

Core Responsibilities

Lead and develop the Rotterdam customs declarants team while overseeing accurate, timely, and compliant import, export, and transit operations. Advise stakeholders, liaise with authorities, manage complex declarations and escalations, and improve digital systems, processes, and operational performance.

Requirements

Requires at least five years of hands-on customs clearance experience, proven team leadership, vocational training in customs, logistics, or international trade, and higher professional education-level capability. Candidates must be fluent in Dutch and English and have strong knowledge of customs and trade regulations, relevant digital systems, and complex declarations; additional customs certifications and German proficiency are advantages.

Benefits

• 13th Month Pay
• Global Bonus Plan
• Employer-Financed Public Transport Ticket or Transport Subsidy
• Company Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours
• Hybrid Working Model
• Regular Training
• Development Opportunities