Manager Customs

Description

Summary: Lead customs operations in Colombia to ensure compliance, product availability, efficient cross-border trade, optimize costs, mitigate risks, and support business growth. Highlights: 1. Develop and implement customs strategy aligned with business growth plans 2. Build and maintain effective relationships with customs authorities 3. Lead, coach, and develop the Customs team PURPOSE \& OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANIZATION: Lead customs operations in Colombia to ensure compliance, product availability, and efficient cross\-border trade, while optimizing costs, mitigating risks, and supporting business growth. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1\. CUSTOMS STRATEGY \& RISK MANAGEMENT: * Develop and implement the market customs strategy aligned with business growth plans, supply chain objectives, and global customs governance requirements. * Assess regulatory changes and proactively define mitigation plans to minimize business disruption and compliance risks. * Monitor inbound shipments and customs activities to ensure timely product availability and alignment with business priorities. * Ensure the accuracy, completeness, timely submission, and proper retention of import and export documentation in accordance with customs regulations and company requirements. * Supervise customs clearance processes to ensure on\-time release of goods and delivery to the distribution center. * Monitor customs valuation, tariff classification, and origin determination processes to ensure compliance and duty optimization. * Develop and communicate customs performance reports, providing visibility of operational performance, risks, and opportunities to key stakeholders. * Ensure the implementation and maintenance of customs controls and internal governance processes. 2\. STAKEHOLDER \& AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT * Build and maintain effective relationships with customs authorities, government agencies, trade associations, and key external stakeholders to support compliant and efficient trade operations. * Partner with Global Customs, Supply Chain, Tax, Legal, Finance, and Commercial teams to support business objectives and ensure effective customs governance. * Ensure compliance with local customs regulations, trade requirements, and adidas global policies. * Support and manage customs audits, and customs authority inquiries. * Coordinate customs brokers and other service providers according to business priorities and operational requirements. * Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate customs broker performance, customs lead times, compliance, and service quality. 3\. TEAM LEADERSHIP \& CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT * Lead, coach, and develop the Customs team, ensuring appropriate capabilities, succession planning, and a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance customs processes, reduce clearance lead times, increase visibility, and improve operational efficiency. 4\. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY * Manage and control the customs operations budget, ensuring effective cost management and identification of savings opportunities. * Coordinate with Accounting, Finance, and Treasury teams to ensure the timely payment of duties, taxes, and customs\-related costs. * Identify and implement opportunities to optimize duty costs and maximize the utilization of applicable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). 5\. TRADE COMPLIANCE GOVERNANCE * Ensure the effectiveness of customs compliance programs through periodic controls, self\-assessment, monitoring activities, and corrective action plans. * Identify customs compliance risks and implement appropriate corrective and preventive measures. * Ensure compliance with local labeling requirements and other import regulatory requirements applicable to products. * Maintain and oversee the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, including recertifications, compliance monitoring, and implementation of required controls. 6\. BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT * Develop contingency plans and coordinate response actions to customs disruptions, regulatory changes, port congestion, or other events impacting product availability. * Support automation and digitalization initiatives related to customs and trade compliance processes. KEY RELATIONSHIPS: * Purchasing, Global Customs, Internal Control, Order Fulfilment, Accounting, Sales, Demand Planning, Customer Service, Finance. * Forwarder and Logistic partners, Customs Brokers. KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES : * University degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field. * Strong knowledge of Customs regulations, Trade Compliance, Customs Valuation, Tariff Classification, and Rules of Origin. * Fluent English (written and spoken). * Customer\-oriented and business mindset. * Cross\-functional collaboration and stakeholder management. * Leadership and team development. * Strategic thinking and problem\-solving skills. * Continuous improvement and process optimization mindset. * Experience identifying automation and digitalization opportunities to improve efficiency and control. * Ability to leverage data and AI tools to support decision\-making and productivity. * Strong focus on cost optimization and identification of savings opportunities. * Planning, organization, and prioritization skills. * Strong communication and influencing skills. * Ownership, accountability, and action\-oriented mindset. * Adaptability and openness to change. REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * 5 years experience * Minimum 1 year informal management experience required AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR. COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need.. OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow\-through. INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things. TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset. INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards. RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all. **AT ADIDAS, WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT EMBEDDING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) INTO OUR CULTURE AND TALENT PROCESSES GIVES OUR EMPLOYEES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND OUR BRAND A REAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.** **– CULTURE STARTS WITH PEOPLE, IT STARTS WITH YOU –** **BY RECRUITING TALENT AND DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE TO REFLECT THE RICH DIVERSITY OF OUR CONSUMERS AND COMMUNITIES, WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF INCLUSION THAT ENGAGES OUR EMPLOYEES AND AUTHENTICALLY CONNECTS OUR BRAND WITH OUR CONSUMERS.** JOB TITLE: Manager Customs BRAND: LOCATION: Bogota TEAM: Supply Chain \& Sourcing STATE: Dist COUNTRY/REGION: CO CONTRACT TYPE: Full time NUMBER: 547880 DATE: Aug 3, 2026