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Helsing is a defence AI company on a mission to protect democracies through technological leadership. As a Customs Manager, you will build and lead the customs function from the ground up, managing import and export operations across multiple European locations.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing all import and export operations via external customs brokers and freight forwarders, verifying customs declarations and documents for accuracy
- Selecting, instructing, and managing the performance of customs brokers with regular quality checks
- Preparing for and facilitating external audits and inquiries from customs authorities, serving as the primary point of contact
- Monitoring Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status requirements, maintaining internal controls and documentation, and supporting AEO applications or maintenance
- Building a management system for supplier declarations and preferential origin from scratch, including processes, system support, and supplier communication
- Developing and implementing internal customs guidelines, work instructions, and process descriptions covering tariff classification, customs valuation, origin, and customs procedures
- Training internal stakeholders and advising other departments on customs-related matters
- Identifying optimization opportunities to reduce customs costs, simplify procedures, and drive digitalization
- Building and functionally leading a customs team as the department grows
You will work closely with Export Control, Supply Chain, Procurement, Logistics, and Finance teams in a mission-driven environment that values ethical considerations and responsible autonomy.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Completed vocational training in freight forwarding and logistics (Speditionskaufmann/-frau) or a degree in Business Administration or Logistics, combined with an additional qualification in customs (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist, Certificate in Customs Management)
- 3–5 years of professional experience in customs, ideally within an industrial company, at a customs broker, or in freight forwarding
- Sound knowledge of the Union Customs Code (UCC), tariff classification, customs valuation, origin of goods and preferences, and customs procedures
- Experience with AEO, customs audits, and supplier declarations
- Strong assertiveness and confidence in representing positions toward internal stakeholders, service providers, and authorities
- Ability to quickly adapt and thrive in new, dynamic environments
- Structured, independent, and solution-oriented working style with hands-on mentality
- Keen interest in taking on leadership responsibilities in the future
- Excellent written and spoken German and English skills
NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience with ATLAS/AES, SAP GTS, or comparable systems
- Knowledge of export control regulations
