Country Customs & Trade Compliance lead

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Country Customs & Trade Compliance Lead to strengthen our customs governance and operational compliance across Singapore operations.

This role sits within the Quality, Risk & Assurance (QRA) function and will focus on ensuring robust execution, control, and continuous improvement of customs-related processes across the business.

The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert in customs operations, partnering closely with Operations, Finance, business development team, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal standards.

Customs Operations Oversight & Assurance

• Provide oversight on end-to-end quality management system & customs operations processes, including permit declarations, cargo movements, and documentation controls
• Validate accuracy and completeness of TradeNet declarations, permits, and supporting documents
• Authority Liaison: Serve as the point of contact for customs authorities, freight forwarders, and other regulatory bodies.
• Regulation Updates: Stay updated on changes in local regulations and laws. Ensure compliance with local and international trade and customs regulations (such as FTZ, ZGST, bonded warehouse, and strategic goods requirements)
• Monitor adherence to internal standards
• Culture building for Customs and trade compliance awareness & framework across the organization

Audit, Risk & Compliance Management

• Plan and conduct internal audits and assurance reviews on processes
• Identify risks, control gaps, and non-compliances in processes
• Lead and track Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to closure
• Support external audits and regulatory inspections where required

Business Support & Advisory

• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on customs requirements and process improvements
• Support implementation of customs SOPs, work instructions, and controls at site level & country level
• Support BD in business opportunity review and new project implementation governance

Broker & Vendor Governance

• Oversee performance and compliance of declaring agents / brokers
• Ensure proper controls are in place for authorized declaring parties
• Support development of vendor governance frameworks

Continuous Improvement & Governance

• Drive standardisation of customs data, reporting, and documentation practices
• Support rollout and sustainment of customs compliance frameworks across sites
• Contribute to audit initiatives to enhance overall assurance effectiveness
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, visibility, and operational efficiency

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law, Supply Chain Management, Quality or a related field.
• Customs/trade – related training certification is advantageous and preferred.
• Min 3 years of experience in international logistics
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Experience in a 3PL / contract logistics environment
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems, and TradeFirst Assessment Framework
• Exposure to strategic goods / controlled items regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills