It's more than a job
As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your job is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. But the impact of your work goes beyond that. In fact, your expertise makes both special and ordinary moments possible for people around the world. For example, your work could ensure that a global product launch happens on time—such as ethically sourced beauty and bath products stocked at local stores for your loved one's valued self-care routine. It's import and export work, but it's also so much more than we imagine.
The Cluster Customs Manager is responsible for developing a competitive, reliable, and innovative customs standalone product in the countries. This role focuses on creating a compelling value proposition for Kuehne + Nagel's customs standalone product, acquiring new business from international and local accounts, and managing full P&L ownership to ensure profitable growth. The manager will lead, coordinate, and drive the development of commercial strategies to win large/multi-country and SME opportunities in the standalone customs business. The key objective is to become a market-leading provider of highly digitized and compliant customs brokerage solutions.
How you create impact
Operational / Tactical duties
• Product Development: Focus on technical and commercial product development; Develop a go-to-market approach and value proposition for the customs standalone product
• Digital Integration: Increase connectivity with customers, suppliers, internal partners, and customs authorities via digital interfaces, bots, automated uploads, etc.
• Client Relationship Management: Establish strong relationships with clients' financial decision-makers as their single point of contact for all lines of business; Manage client relationships by conducting visits to understand their cross-border trade requirements
• Sales Support: Serve as the first point of contact for the Sales organization, including Key Account and Field Sales, regarding customs brokerage-related opportunities
Leadership Responsibility
• Lead, coach, and develop customs teams in Malaysia and Singapore.
• Build capabilities aligned with business opportunities and regulatory developments.
• Foster a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous development.
Financial Responsibility
• Ownership and management of cluster customs PnL (MY/SG)
• Implementation of global/regional initiatives to improve financial performance and meet financial targets (e.g. profitability, productivity, conversion rate)
Strategic Responsibility
• Analyze the domestic customs brokerage market, mapping relevant verticals, customers, and industry trends; Assess market trends and opportunities, translating these into new customs approaches; Reconcile new approaches against existing product designs and responses; Draft a domestic roadmap for customs standalone based on the group strategic value proposition and growth aspirations.
What we would like you to bring
- Degree in Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, or a related field, with strong experience in customs brokerage or trade compliance in Malaysia and Singapore.
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Minimum 7–10 years of experience in customs brokerage, international trade compliance, or freight forwarding (preferably within a multinational logistics environment).
- Proven experience in product development, market analysis, and managing full P&L responsibility within a logistics or customs environment.
- Strong knowledge of customs regulations, digital integration tools (EDI/API), and cross‑border trade processes.
- Demonstrated leadership ability with experience developing and managing teams across multiple countries.
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to build value propositions and support sales in winning standalone customs opportunities.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and build long‑term client relationships.
- Analytical, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving regulatory landscape.
What's in it for you
At Kuehne+Nagel, you’ll be part of a global logistics leader that believes in creating real impact—on business, on customers, and on careers. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Global Exposure: Step into a world of international opportunities with a presence in 100+ countries.
- People-Centric Culture: Join a team where your voice matters and people genuinely care.
- Learning & Development: Grow with us personally and professionally through world-class training and career pathways.
- Innovation & Sustainability: Be part of a future-focused company driving real change in logistics and the planet.
- Rewards & Recognition: Get rewarded for your passion, performance, and potential.
- Stability with Agility: Enjoy the best of both worlds a trusted global brand with a startup spirit.
Who we are
Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.
As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.
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