Role title

Head of Customs & Trade Compliance

Business unit

DHL Global Forwarding Ireland

Location

Dublin

Scope of role

Drive the acquisition and development of new customs business opportunities.

Lead customs and trade compliance for DHL Global Forwarding Ireland and provide input to and lead the implementation of functional strategy to provide clearance of freight documentation through the relevant customs authorities, work with customers to guide and advise on customs regulation qualifications, both in DHL Global Forwarding Ireland and destination countries in line with DHL Global Forwarding Ireland’s business strategy and objectives, corporate guidelines and policies.

Reporting line

Managing Director

Dotted reporting line

VP Head of Customs Europe

Direct reports

2

Working days and hours

Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:30, or such hours deemed necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role

Key accountabilities

• Develop and lead the Customs & Trade Compliance strategy for Ireland, ensuring alignment with business objectives, customer requirements, corporate guidelines and global functional priorities.
• Lead the planning, implementation and continuous review of Customs & Trade Compliance plans, objectives, budgets and initiatives to achieve business and operational goals.
• Provide expert guidance on customs regulations, international trade legislation, import and export controls, sanctions, customs valuation, tariff classification and trade compliance requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all customs, trade compliance, fiscal, security and regulatory obligations, minimising risk to DHL Global Forwarding Ireland and its customers.
• Anticipate, assess and communicate changes in customs legislation, trade regulations and government requirements, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented across the business.
• Develop, implement and maintain customs compliance frameworks, policies, procedures and operating standards to support legal and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the fulfilment of customs requirements for import, export and trans-shipment activities, ensuring timely, compliant and efficient customs clearance processes.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Customs Authorities, Revenue Commissioners, government agencies and industry bodies to support effective customs operations and regulatory compliance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for customs and trade compliance matters, providing advice and guidance to internal stakeholders, customers and commercial teams.
• Advise customers on customs and trade compliance matters, including import and export requirements, sanctions, permits, customs valuation, tariff classification and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support customer retention and growth through active participation in customer meetings, RFQs, tenders, solution design activities and strategic business reviews.
• Identify and lead the development of Customs & Trade Compliance products and services that support customer needs and business growth opportunities.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration with regional and global Customs & Trade Compliance teams, driving alignment, consistency and best practice implementation.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing Customs & Trade Compliance function, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and customer focus.
• Develop workforce, succession and talent plans to ensure the organisation has the skills, capability and expertise required to support future business growth.
• Establish and promote a structured training and development programme to ensure employees remain up to date on customs regulations, compliance obligations and industry best practices.
• Monitor operational performance through defined KPIs, service levels and quality measures, implementing corrective actions and improvement plans where required.
• Drive operational excellence through process optimisation, standardisation, automation and digitalisation initiatives to improve efficiency, compliance and customer experience.
• Oversee customs operational performance and documentation quality, ensuring productivity, cost control and service quality objectives are achieved.
• Ensure appropriate governance, controls and record management processes are maintained to support compliance, reporting and audit requirements.
• Lead change management initiatives within the Customs & Trade Compliance function, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and successful implementation of business improvements.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across DHL Global Forwarding Ireland and externally, influencing decision-making and acting as a recognised subject matter expert in Customs & Trade Compliance.
• Promote a culture of integrity, compliance, quality, customer focus and continuous improvement across the Customs & Trade Compliance function.
• Ensure operational compliance to all revenue and international trade legislative requirements, and all requirements under Data Protection Legislation in addition to all DHL Global Forwarding Ireland policies and procedures (H&S, Quality, Environmental, HR, etc), and work in a manner that supports the Company environment programme.
• Participate in the implementation of operational processes and perform work to the standards of Good Distribution practice (GDP) for Life Science business, as required.

Competencies

Team leadership

Builds and leads high-performing teams by inspiring commitment to shared goals, communicating openly, providing clear direction and accountability, creating a positive and inclusive environment, involving team members in decision-making, recognising performance, and consistently demonstrating DHL Global Forwarding’s dimensions.

Managing relationships

Builds strong, trust-based relationships through open and honest communication, respect for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, collaboration across stakeholder groups, constructive challenge, and fostering positive workplace partnerships.

Team development

Creates high-performing teams by attracting, retaining, coaching, and developing talent, providing objective feedback and development opportunities, encouraging continuous improvement, and fostering an environment where people can achieve their full potential.

Customer focus

Places customer needs at the centre of decision-making by building strong relationships, collaborating effectively across functions, utilising resources efficiently, and driving operational performance to consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.

Problem solving

Achieves operational results by proactively identifying issues and opportunities, analysing root causes, leveraging team expertise, implementing effective solutions and process improvements, deploying resources appropriately, and communicating actions and outcomes clearly.

Supporting change

Leads and sustains change by demonstrating a positive attitude, inspiring commitment, taking ownership, addressing barriers, communicating clear goals and progress, driving continuous improvement, and recognising contributions that support successful change implementation.

Experience and qualifications

Expected experience

• 12-15 years customs experience
• 8 years management experience

Expected qualifications

• Degree preferred

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this role. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed. The Company reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

We are committed to equal opportunity and reject any forms of discrimination. The basis for employee selection at DHL Group is qualifications, performance, skills and experience.