< Back to search
Maersk • Germany, Bremerhaven, 27568 | Germany

Customs Team Lead

Employment type:  Full time
Apply now

Job Description

About the Role

At Maersk, we are transforming global logistics through innovation, digitalization, and operational excellence., you will play a key role in ensuring compliant and efficient

As a Customs Team Lead, you will ensure the legally compliant, efficient, and timely execution of all customs and value-added services (VAS) processes within international trade operations. You will lead and develop the Customs & VAS team, act as a senior subject matter expert, and serve as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders.

You will also drive continuous improvement, standardization, and digitalization of customs and value-added service workflows, supporting our ambition to simplify global trade and deliver best-in-class service to our customers.

Key Responsibilities

🚢 Customs Operations & Compliance

  • Ensure accurate and timely processing of import and export declarations via ATLAS
  • Oversee tariff classification and customs documentation (e.g., origin certificates, supplier declarations)
  • Ensure full compliance with customs regulations and internal policies
  • Act as escalation point for complex or sensitive cases

👥 Team Leadership

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of customs specialists
  • Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
  • Manage workload planning, prioritization, and performance development

🤝 Stakeholder & Advisory Role

  • Advise internal stakeholders on customs and trade compliance topics
  • Act as key contact for customs authorities and external partners
  • Represent the function in audits, inspections, and cross-functional initiatives

⚙️ Process Improvement & Digitalization

  • Identify and implement improvements to customs processes and workflows
  • Drive automation and digital solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy
  • Support the rollout of new systems and regulatory changes

📚 Knowledge & Capability Building

  • Maintain clear SOPs and process documentation
  • Foster knowledge sharing and continuous upskilling within the team

What We’re Looking For

  • Completed vocational training in freight forwarding, logistics, foreign trade, or a related field
  • Advanced qualification as a Customs Specialist (e.g., Zollfachwirt/in) or a comparable certification is preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in customs operations and/or value-added services
  • At least 5 years of tenure within the company
  • In-depth knowledge of customs and foreign trade regulations (UCC, AWG, AWV)
  • Strong hands-on experience with ATLAS and other customs-related IT systems
  • Proven track record in a leadership, senior, or coordination role
  • Very good command of German and English, both written and spoken
  • Strong analytical skills, a structured approach to work, and a high level of ownership.

👉 If you are ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply and share your CV in English

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.

Company benefits

Open to part time work for some roles
Open to compressed hours
In house training
Health insurance
Dental coverage
Mental health platform access
Compassionate leave
Life assurance
Annual bonus
Referral bonus
Employee assistance programme
Employee discounts
Adoption leave
Private GP service
Buy or sell annual leave
Religious celebration leave
401K
Annual pay rises
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Learning platform
Mentoring
Enhanced maternity leave
Shared parental leave
Women’s health leave
L&D budget
Professional subscriptions
Lunch and learns

Working at Maersk

Company employees:

100,000+

Gender diversity (m:f):

65:35

Hiring in countries

Argentina

Australia

Bangladesh

Belgium

Brazil

Cambodia

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Côte d'Ivoire

Croatia

Czechia

Denmark

Ecuador

Egypt

France

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Malaysia

Mexico

Morocco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Panama

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Rwanda

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Taiwan

Thailand

Türkiye

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Office Locations

Awards & Accreditations

3rd - Best Workplace Culture

3rd - Best Workplace Culture

Flexa awards 2026
Best Workplace Benefits

Top 10 - Best Workplace Benefits

Flexa awards 2026

Other jobs you might like