Customs - Import/Export Leader

Job Description Summary

As the Customs & Import / Export Leader – you will play a critical role in enabling business performance and customer satisfaction by ensuring cross-border operations are compliant, efficient, and cost-effective in a highly regulated aerospace environment.
You will help safeguard the company’s license to operate while enabling market access, protecting on-time delivery, and optimizing total landed cost across the global movement of parts, engines, components, and technical data. As a senior subject matter expert and key decision-maker, you will work in close partnership with the Internal Trade Compliance (ITC) team to align governance, controls, and execution across customs, export controls, and sanctions compliance.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the customs and trade compliance strategy for Avio Aero import and export activities, ensuring alignment with business priorities, supply chain needs, and customer commitments
• Provide strong leadership to the customs and trade compliance organization, developing talent, strengthening accountability, and promoting a culture of integrity and continuous improvement
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Operations, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Legal, helping balance compliance, risk management, and business continuity
• Drive strategic initiatives such as AEO authorization, product classification programs, and the digital transformation of customs and trade compliance processes
• Oversee end-to-end customs operations for aerospace goods, including raw materials, spare parts, LRUs, engines, modules, and tooling, across both inbound and outbound flows
• Ensure robust customs governance through accurate tariff classification, customs valuation, origin determination, and complete supporting documentation
• Anticipate and resolve customs holds, clearance issues, and operational disruptions to protect on-time delivery across MRO, production, and customer programs
• Ensure compliance with applicable EU and international export control regulations, sanctions, and embargo requirements, including dual-use controls where relevant
• Lead export control classification, licensing, screening, and end-use/end-user reviews for products, components, technologies, re-exports, and intangible technology transfers
• Partner closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, Engineering, Program Management, and Internal Trade Compliance (ITC) to assess high-risk transactions and enable compliant business decisions
• Lead or support internal and external audits, ensuring findings are addressed with timely and sustainable corrective actions
• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve customs and trade compliance processes across imports, exports, repairs, returns, and MRO flows
• Enhance digitalization, data quality, and system integration across ERP platforms, broker interfaces, and screening tools to improve visibility, predictability, and efficiency
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators
• Promote trade compliance awareness by helping design and deliver practical training programs that strengthen organizational capability and reduce avoidable risk

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor/Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics, Law, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Additional postgraduate studies or professional certifications in Customs, Trade Compliance, or Export Control are considered a strong plus
• Significant experience in customs, trade compliance, and import/export operations within a regulated industrial environment; aerospace or high-tech industry experience is preferred
• Proven leadership experience, including team management and/or leading cross-functional compliance initiatives
• Demonstrated expertise in export control and licensing for controlled goods and technologies, including classification and interaction with authorities and customs brokers
• Strong knowledge of EU customs legislation, HS classification, customs valuation, origin rules, and special customs procedures relevant to aerospace operations.
• Solid understanding of export controls, sanctions frameworks, and compliance governance
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including proficiency in Excel
• Fluent English, both written and spoken
• Work Visa, in accordance with local regulations, is required

Desired Qualifications

• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and strong risk awareness
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in fast-paced operational environments
• Proactive, results-driven mindset with a clear focus on compliance, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement

Why Join Us:

At Avio Aero, people power our progress. That’s why we invest in an environment where you can develop professionally, feel valued personally, and enjoy a healthy balance between work and life. As part of the CCNL Dirigenti Industria framework, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Performance-related bonuses

• Contributions to the employee pension plan in accordance with the CCNL Dirigenti Industria

• Life and accident insurance

• Private complementary medical coverage

• Sponsored canteen or meal vouchers where no canteen is available

• Global wellbeing program to support your physical, financial, social, and emotional wellbeing including Employee Assistance Program

• Recognition awards to celebrate service and achievements
• Local special agreements, discounts and special offers

• English and languages training for you and one member of your family

• Ongoing technical, leadership, and development training to help you build your career

• Company car and fuel card​

Type of Contract: CCNL Dirigenti Industria

Salary range for this role: 91,125.00 - 121,500.00 EUR + Performance-related bonuses

Compensation will be defined within the published salary range, reflecting the candidate’s experience, developed skills, and overall alignment with the role’s responsibilities.

Join us!
Avio Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a culture of respect, where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Employment decisions are made based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Join us and be part of a team where your talent, ideas, and ambition can help shape the future of flight. Apply now and see your career take flight!

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No