Customs & Trade Compliance Manager, EMEA

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

What to expect

The Customs & Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading customs and trade compliance activities across Gates' European operations, with a primary focus on the European Union and United Kingdom. This role ensures compliance with import, export, and customs regulations while supporting the efficient movement of goods across Gates' manufacturing, distribution, and commercial network. Acting as the regional subject matter expert, the position partners closely with Logistics, Procurement, Product Management, Finance, and external service providers to manage customs risks, optimize duty-related processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role also drives continuous improvement initiatives, supports strategic trade programs, and serves as the key liaison with customs authorities and brokerage partners across the region.

Location: Onsite from Poland (Legnica or Wroclaw), Belgium (Ghent) or Luxembourg

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and manage customs and trade compliance activities across Gates' EU and UK operations, ensuring full compliance with applicable import, export, and customs regulations.
• Own regional customs processes including tariff classification, origin determination, customs valuation, duty management, and execution of Free Trade Agreement programs.
• Act as the primary customs compliance expert for Gates EMEA, providing guidance to business stakeholders on regulatory requirements and trade-related risks.
• Oversee customs brokers and external service providers to ensure efficient customs clearance processes, accurate filings, and strong service performance.
• Maintain customs master data, tariff classifications, origin records, and related ERP data to support compliant international trade operations.
• Partner closely with Product Management, Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain teams to ensure appropriate customs treatment of products and materials.
• Manage supplier origin declaration programs and support compliance with Free Trade Agreements and preferential trade arrangements.
• Lead customs-related projects, including Brexit requirements, mobility initiatives, process harmonization, audit preparation, and implementation of regulatory changes.
• Monitor changes in customs and trade regulations and proactively implement required process, system, and policy updates across Gates entities.
• Manage interactions with customs authorities, support customs audits and investigations, and ensure timely resolution of compliance matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance compliance, reduce customs risk, improve operational efficiency, and optimize duty-related costs.
• Operate and continuously improve the regional customs support process, providing guidance on shipment issues, customs documentation, and cross-border trade activities.
• Manage customs and trade compliance related budgets and costs within the EMEA region and identify opportunities for duty savings and process efficiencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• 3+ direct reports, as well as a team of Indirect reports
• Leads customs & trade compliance team across EU and UK locations (partially directly and partially functionally)
• Responsible for talent selection, development, and capability building within customs and operations teams.
• Ensures adherence to Gates policies and applicable standards including ISO, HSE, and corporate operating guidelines.
• Manages multiple related teams, typically through manager and/or team lead
• Manages large team of professionals and or managers
• Sets organizational priorities and allocates resources; executes department business plans
• Has team leadership, performance management and people development responsibility to build strong teams

Requirements And Preferred Skills

• 11-15 years of professional experience, including approximately 10 years in customs and trade compliance with a focus on import and export operations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics, manufacturing, distribution, site operations, or facility management environments.
• Strong knowledge of EU and UK customs regulations, including tariff classification, origin determination, customs valuation, Free Trade Agreements, and duty recovery programs.
• Proven experience managing customs and trade compliance activities across multiple countries within the EMEA region.
• Demonstrated ability to assess risks, resolve complex compliance challenges, and drive process improvements in an international business environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business guidance.
• Experience working with customs authorities, brokers, freight forwarders, and external service providers.
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Additional European language skills are an advantage
• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 20%.

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

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