Senior Manager Transportation & Trade

Are you an experienced professional in logistics and international trade compliance? Do you have a sharp eye for optimizing transportation operations and ensuring regulatory compliance? We are seeking a Senior Manager, Transportation & Trade to lead transportation operations and oversee trade compliance within a dynamic, international environment. In this role, you will collaborate closely with internal teams and external logistics service providers (LSPs) to ensure efficient processes and mitigate risks.

Responsibilities

Transportation Management:

• Lead and support the procurement of transportation services (RFQ/RFP level), including European regional & international trucking (LTL/FTL), small package, air freight, and ocean freight services;
• Implement new LSPs post-selection/business award into the company framework while collaborating with impacted functions such as sales operations, fulfillment operations, and finance/tax;
• Drive LSP performance management through metrics scorecards, operational forums, and quarterly/annual business reviews;
• Build and monitor freight forecasts based on order volumes (inbound, outbound, intercompany) and share them with LSPs to ensure service coverage;
• Oversee transportation operations of selected LSPs, identify problem areas or process gaps, and implement corrective actions to meet service levels;
• Monitor transportation market dynamics across all modes and keep stakeholders informed about conditions, delivery impacts, and contingency plans;
• Develop contingency strategies for adverse market conditions, especially during peak seasons or end-of-month/quarter periods;
• Create logistics dashboards using in-house business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI) and analyze actual vs. forecasted transportation spend;
• Manage logistics IT enhancement programs to automate and simplify operations;
• Resolve shipment escalations and assist internal teams with arranging carriage for ad hoc or urgent shipments;
• Support or lead special project-based logistics programs such as trade show/event-specific transportation priorities.

Trade Compliance:

• Manage export/import product classification processes (WCO HS codes and US ECCN);
• Maintain the company’s parts dictionary with relevant trade compliance information (HS codes, Schedule B numbers, ECCN classifications, Country of Origin, royalties/license fees);
• Guide fulfillment operations in preparing EXIM trade documentation (commercial invoices, export documents, packing lists, technical product information);
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for EU trade compliance topics such as product classification, valuation, export controls, and other regulatory requirements (e.g., ES import rules for plastic content);
• Troubleshoot EXIM clearance delays while providing timely updates to stakeholders;
• Investigate trade violations or risk areas by conducting exposure analyses and developing mitigation plans;
• Monitor changes in European import/export regulations that may impact business operations.

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with the company’s Code of Ethics & Business Conduct Guidelines, Purchasing Policies & Procedures, legal standards, and ethical business practices;
• Potentially manage 1–2 direct reports.

Key Requirements & Desired Skills

We are looking for a driven professional with extensive experience in logistics and trade compliance. You should possess:

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in logistics (transportation focus) and trade compliance supporting B2B/B2C markets from the shipper's perspective;
• Bachelor’s degree or MBA in logistics or supply chain management (equivalent experience may be considered);
• Strong knowledge of pricing structures for core transportation modes: air freight, ocean freight, trucking (LTL/FTL), small package delivery;
• Expertise in international terms of sale (Incoterms);
• Dangerous goods management expertise (Class 9 – lithium-ion focus); certifications such as IATA, 49CFR or IMDG preferred;
• Mid-level experience with import/export product classification (WCO HS/ECCN), customs rulings, duty minimization strategies, and import valuation methods;
• Familiarity with US trade regulations for imports (CBP) and exports (EAR – BIS/US Census Bureau);
• Proficiency with US CBP/BIS tools such as ACE, AESDirect/SNAP-R;
• Data-driven mindset with advanced skills in MS Excel and business intelligence tools like Power BI;
• Excellent communication skills (email/verbal/presentation) with confidence presenting ideas via PowerPoint;
• Key attributes: team player, autonomous worker, problem-solver, anticipatory thinker, fast learner, reliable communicator.

What We Offer

Join our team to make an impact within an innovative organization focused on growth. We offer:

• Competitive salary (€90,000 - €100,000);
• Challenging responsibilities in transportation management and trade compliance;
• Opportunities for domestic/international travel (20%-25%);
• Flexibility: hybrid working model with a minimum of 4 days in-office long-term;
• Room for personal development and career progression.

Interested?

Are you ready to bring your expertise as Senior Manager Transportation & Trade to our team? Apply today!

This role is managed by Walters People B.V., trading under the name Robert Walters.