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- Tasks: Lead a team to optimise global customs systems and ensure smooth logistics.
- Company: Join Kuehne+Nagel, a leader in global logistics with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive health benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a diverse, international setting that values initiative and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global supply chains and help products reach people worldwide.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT systems and experience leading teams in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. Your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time—such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self‑care routine.
How you create impact
- Lead and develop a team of Systems Managers responsible for clusters of national customs systems, organized by geography, language, or technology alignment.
- Establish corporate-level access and governance over national customs applications, ensuring Kuehne+Nagel maintains administration rights and integration capability across all key markets.
- Act as the primary corporate technology stakeholder in relationships with national customs software vendors, ensuring alignment on roadmaps, service levels, and integration standards.
- Define and govern integration architectures between our corporate systems and national customs platforms, including data pipelines, message flows, and API/EDI interfaces.
- Drive standardization of integration patterns, tooling, and operational practices across the country cluster model.
- Coordinate with other stakeholders and development teams to ensure integrations are technically sound, scalable, and aligned with the broader customs technology strategy.
What we would like you to bring
- A strong background in IT systems, integration, or infrastructure, with a proven track record of delivering results in complex, large‑scale environments (Minimum 10 years or more).
- Demonstrated experience leading small to medium‑sized teams, with the ability to recruit, develop, and retain technical talent in a distributed organization.
- Deep hands‑on knowledge of systems integration disciplines, including network protocols, scripting (e.g., Python, Groovy, Bash), XSLT transformations, messaging/queueing systems (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka, ActiveMQ), and SQL‑based data management.
- Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with external software vendors, negotiate service levels, and represent corporate technology interests in commercial discussions.
- Experience with data pipeline and integration platforms such as Apache NiFi is highly valued.
- Familiarity with EDI platforms (e.g., Sterling, Seeburger) or similar is a plus.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix organizational structure with distributed and cross‑functional stakeholders across multiple geographies and business units.
- Ability to translate complex operational realities into clear technology roadmaps and governance frameworks, balancing short‑term pragmatism with long‑term strategic vision.
- Prior experience in the logistics, freight forwarding, or customs brokerage sector is highly valued, particularly familiarity with customs clearance processes and trade compliance.
- Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Proficiency in additional European languages is a significant advantage given the global scope of the role.
What's in it for you
- Individual career development planning with access to global mobility and leadership programs.
- Flexible and mobile working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
- Comprehensive benefits package including supplementary health insurance and additional well‑being offerings.
- A diverse, international environment where initiative, collaboration, and continuous learning are rewarded.
Global Customs Systems Head employer: Kuehne+Nagel
Contact Detail:
Kuehne+Nagel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Customs Systems Head
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and customs sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kuehne+Nagel's recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of optimising global supply chains.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Global Customs Systems Head. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise, especially in systems integration and vendor management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Customs Systems Head
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about optimising logistics and making a real impact in global supply chains.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your experience with IT systems, integration, and team leadership. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate when candidates can communicate complex ideas simply!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kuehne+Nagel
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of customs systems and integration technologies. Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Apache NiFi and EDI platforms. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just a good fit, but that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to recruit, develop, and retain talent, which is crucial for this position.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This job isn’t just about tech; it’s about optimising logistics and making an impact. Be ready to discuss how your work can influence global supply chains and contribute to meaningful outcomes, like ensuring products reach customers on time. This shows you understand the importance of the role beyond just the technical aspects.
✨Prepare for Vendor Management Questions
Since you'll be acting as the primary corporate technology stakeholder with vendors, think about your past experiences managing vendor relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've negotiated service levels and ensured alignment on roadmaps. This will highlight your ability to represent corporate interests effectively.