Head of Customs & Trade India

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.

Who we are and what we believe in

Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group

Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Group Trucks Operations

Group Trucks Operations encompasses all production of the Group’s manufacturing of Volvo, Renault, and Mack trucks, as well as engines and transmissions. We also orchestrate the spare parts distribution for Volvo Group’s customers globally and design, operate, and optimize logistics and supply chains for all brands. We count 30,000 employees at 30 plants and 50 distribution centers across the globe. Our global footprint offers an opportunity for an international career in a state-of-the-art industrial environment, where continuous improvement is the foundation. As our planet is facing great challenges, we - one of the largest industrial organizations in the world - stand at the forefront of innovation. We are ready to rise to the challenge. Would you like to join us?

Purpose of the Job

As the Head of Customs and Trade India Manager, you will be responsible for managing the Customs Trade & Export Control (CTEC) team in India, reporting directly to the CTEC APAC Director. Your role includes proactively driving customs and trade compliance to deliver competitiveness E2E and enable customer success. You will manage the full responsibility of CTEC, lead the team, and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment with internal and external partners. Leveraging a digitalized and transparent data value chain, you will adapt to regulatory changes and capture trade opportunities.

Your Contribution

Be Accountable. Be Proactive. Stay Hungry and Humble. Collaborate. Challenge. Passion and Trust. These are the behaviors you’ll need for success. In this role, you will:

• Act as the company's primary contact for customs and trade relevant authorities.
• Lead the customs compliance team, growing stakeholders' compliance ambassadors.
• Develop, document, maintain, and drive enforcement of local Indian policies and procedures regarding trade.
• Oversee HS classification, customs valuation, Country of Origin, Permit/License applications, Customs Privileges (e.g., Free Zone, CKD, Bonded Facilities).
• Secure and manage significant customs areas (e.g., Rules of Origin, Free Trade Agreements, customs regimes, regulatory requirements, and local restrictions).
• Manage and mitigate existing and pending cases (e.g., Customs duty drawback, Bank Guarantee, EPCG, Ted refund).
• Build strong relationships with Legal, Sales, and Tax Departments to manage potential Tax, Customs, and Transfer Pricing risks.
• Establish customs broker KPIs and Score Cards; perform trade compliance audits and drive corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve trade duty competitiveness, minimize compliance risks, and reduce costs.
• Stay updated on trade-related regulatory changes and ensure policy/process updates.
• Advise on Trade Barriers, BIS, Import Quota, Import Prohibition, Government Policies, and provide training to teams/vendors.
• Drive and participate in Customs Systems/Automated solutions.
• Participate in identifying and managing Export Control risks.
• Maintain accurate record-keeping and retention processes.
• Assist in external audits and manage relevant certifications and licenses (AEO/CTPAT).
• Support and conduct risk assessments to identify compliance concerns.
• Pursue cost-saving strategies aligned with Volvo Group Strategies.
• Represent Volvo Group in Professional Trade bodies and ensure business is updated on the latest regulations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Stay updated on customs laws, trade regulations, and compliance requirements specific to India. Understanding the nuances of import/export procedures, tariff classifications, and documentation is crucial.
• Optimization of Trade Benefits: Enhance trade competitiveness by optimizing trade benefits.
• Risk Management: Mitigate risks related to cross-border transactions. Identify potential compliance gaps, assess their impact, and develop strategies to minimize risk exposure.
• Strategic Thinking: Develop a holistic trade compliance strategy that aligns with business goals. Consider market expansion, diversification, and global supply chains.
• Leadership Skills: Inspire your team to prioritize compliance. Foster a compliance culture throughout the organization by emphasizing its importance.
• Communication: Effectively communicate compliance requirements to stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and internal teams. Clear communication ensures smooth operations and minimizes compliance errors.
• Collaboration: Work closely with legal, finance, and supply chain teams. Collaborate with external partners, such as customs brokers and regulatory authorities.
• Technology Proficiency: Leverage digital tools for efficient compliance management. Understand customs automation systems, data analytics, and risk assessment software.
• Staffing and Coaching Skills: Plan resources and competence of the current team vs. future wanted positions, conduct gap analysis, attract, and retain talents.

Essential Education and/or Training Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of import and trade regulatory compliance in India, including the use of bonded facilities, ECCN, and customs valuation.
• Experience in developing and deploying process improvements and best practices with a strong focus on results.
• At least 10+ years of leadership experience in the Automotive industry/Trade/Tax.
• Ability to analyze information/data thoroughly and accurately (including the use of Excel, Power BI, and other automation tools).
• Preferable experience in Consulting and the automotive industry.
• Prior working experience with regional customs authorities in the APAC region is an added advantage.
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP), Certified Trade Compliance Specialist (CTCS), Diploma in Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding, Advanced Certificate in International Trade (ACIT), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), Professional Certificate in Import and Export Management, Certified Customs Compliance Professional (CCCP), Advanced Diploma in International Trade (ADIT).

Preferred Experience and Knowledge

• Good understanding of the Volvo Businesses, especially logistics setups.
• Strong leadership, inspiring, and result-oriented.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Structured work approach with Project management skills.
• Significant change management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Solid analytical, digital, and problem-solving skills.
• Creativity/Innovation: Reframing traditional thinking patterns and applying new ideas, methods, designs, and technologies.
• High skills in building strong networks/relationships with other departments.

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

Who we are and what we believe in 
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities. 

Group Trucks Operations encompasses all production of the Group’s manufacturing of Volvo, Renault and Mack trucks, as well as engines and transmissions. We also orchestrate the spare parts distribution for Volvo Group’s customers globally and design, operate and optimize logistics and supply chains for all brands. We count 30,000 employees at 30 plants and 50 distribution centers across the globe. Our global footprint offers an opportunity for an international career in a state-of-the-art industrial environment, where continuous improvement is the foundation. As our planet is facing great challenges, we - one of the largest industrial organizations in the world - stand at the forefront of innovation. We are ready to rise to the challenge. Would you like to join us?