Global Customs Strategy Lead
Global Customs Strategy Lead

Global Customs Strategy Lead

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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AstraZeneca

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AstraZeneca's global customs strategy and ensure efficient medicine movement worldwide.
  • Company: AstraZeneca is a pioneering pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative medicines.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, corporate perks, and a dynamic team environment.
  • Why this job: Join a transformative role that impacts global health and fosters innovation in a collaborative culture.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in global customs compliance and strong knowledge of customs systems required.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant office environment while balancing flexibility and collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Global Customs Strategy Lead role at AstraZeneca

Join to apply for the Global Customs Strategy Lead role at AstraZeneca

Are you ready to make a difference in the world of medicine? At AstraZeneca, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines and improve patient outcomes. As the Global Customs Strategy Lead, you will play a crucial role in ensuring our medicines move efficiently and compliantly across a dynamic global supply network, enabling us to serve patients worldwide swiftly and reliably. Reporting to the Global Head of Customs & International Trade, you will drive AstraZeneca’s customs strategy and duty optimization agenda across all markets. You will be a key partner in our enterprise-wide transformation initiative as AstraZeneca implements SAP S/4HANA, ensuring our customs and international trade processes and systems are aligned and future-ready. Are you ready to lead and innovate in a transforming environment?

Accountabilities

  • Support the Global Head of Customs & International Trade in defining and delivering AstraZeneca’s global customs strategy, policy, and standards.
  • Act as a global project lead for customs and international trade within AstraZeneca’s SAP S/4HANA transformation, ensuring that customs processes, data, and compliance requirements are fully represented and delivered in system design and implementation.
  • Serve as AstraZeneca’s authority on customs and tariffs, monitoring global regulations and providing timely analysis, guidance, and communication to stakeholders.
  • Identify, develop, and deliver global duty recovery and customs optimization initiatives—including FTZ, IPR, customs warehousing, and similar.
  • Lead or contribute to change management activities, stakeholder engagement, training, and communications on key global projects.
  • Build and sustain strong internal and external relationships, including with customs authorities, internal departments, and industry bodies.
  • Continuously assess, report, and mitigate customs-related regulatory and operational risks in a transforming environment.

Essential Skills/Experience

  • Significant experience in global customs compliance and international trade, within the pharmaceutical or another highly regulated industry.
  • Strong knowledge of customs systems (SAP GTS or similar) and demonstrated experience with large-scale ERP transformations, ideally SAP S/4HANA implementation.
  • Deep expertise in global tariff management, classification, valuation, origin, special customs procedures (such as FTZ, IPR, customs warehousing), and the operational and financial impacts of customs on a global supply chain.
  • A track record of successfully leading customs and trade optimization projects in multi-country, multi-functional environments.
  • Proven ability to manage and deliver projects in changing, complex, and fast-paced environments.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience with cross-functional and multicultural teams.
  • Ability to influence at all levels while embodying AstraZeneca’s values of integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a focus on patient impact.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That\’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn\’t mean we\’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca is where innovation meets dedication. Our Operations team is driven by a commitment to deliver accelerated growth for AstraZeneca while making people\’s lives better. We thrive in an intense environment that encourages out-of-the-box thinking and supports personal dedication. With cutting-edge science, Lean ways of working, and fast-changing digital technologies at our fingertips, we are constantly evolving how we work. Here, you have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills while contributing to a sustainable future. Join us as we turn molecules into medicines through rigorous development processes that positively impact local and global communities.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

24-Jul-2025

Closing Date

07-Aug-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Management and Manufacturing

  • Industries

    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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Global Customs Strategy Lead employer: AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it a prime choice for professionals eager to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry. With a commitment to employee growth, AstraZeneca offers robust training opportunities and encourages a flexible work environment, allowing you to thrive while contributing to life-changing medicines. Located in London, you will be part of a dynamic team that values integrity and creativity, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
AstraZeneca

Contact Detail:

AstraZeneca Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Customs Strategy Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to innovation and patient impact will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your experience and values resonate with theirs.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of AstraZeneca, especially those in customs and international trade roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview preparation.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on global customs regulations and trends, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can help you demonstrate your expertise and proactive approach during discussions with interviewers.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past projects related to customs optimisation and ERP transformations. Highlighting your hands-on experience will show that you have the practical skills needed for the Global Customs Strategy Lead role.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Customs Strategy Lead

Global Customs Compliance
International Trade Expertise
Customs Systems Knowledge (SAP GTS or similar)
ERP Transformation Experience (SAP S/4HANA)
Global Tariff Management
Classification and Valuation Skills
Special Customs Procedures Knowledge (FTZ, IPR, customs warehousing)
Project Management in Multi-Country Environments
Analytical Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Influencing Skills
Change Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in global customs compliance and international trade, especially within the pharmaceutical industry. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and AstraZeneca's mission. Highlight specific examples of your past achievements in customs strategy and project management that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully led projects in complex environments, as this is crucial for the Global Customs Strategy Lead position.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential in this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca

✨Understand AstraZeneca's Mission

Before your interview, take some time to research AstraZeneca's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to innovation and patient impact will help you align your answers with what they stand for, showcasing your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Showcase Your Customs Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience in global customs compliance and international trade. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully led customs optimisation initiatives, especially in complex environments, to demonstrate your capability for the Global Customs Strategy Lead role.

✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP S/4HANA

Since this role involves working on the SAP S/4HANA transformation, make sure you understand its functionalities and how it relates to customs processes. Being able to speak knowledgeably about ERP systems will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions

Expect questions about how you've engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Prepare examples that illustrate your ability to build strong relationships and influence at all levels, as this is crucial for success in a role that requires collaboration across various departments.

Global Customs Strategy Lead
AstraZeneca
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