Logistics & Customs Compliance Team Leader

Responsible for planning, leading, and optimising the end-to-end transportation of components, raw materials, consumables, tools, and finished goods across the global supply chain, supporting operations at Methode Electronics Malta and other European locations. The role oversees shipments between suppliers, internal sites, and customers globally, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant movement of goods, information, and related resources to meet operational and customer requirements.

This position oversees logistics operations, including international shipments, customs compliance, and cross-border trade activities, while ensuring adherence to EU customs regulations and international trade compliance requirements. The role also focuses on cost optimisation, operational efficiency, and service excellence while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance.

The role collaborates closely with Material Management, Planning, Procurement, Finance, and external partners (freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics providers) to resolve operational challenges and ensure continuity of supply and reliable delivery to customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Logistics and Customs Compliance team to deliver high-quality logistics services and operational excellence.

• Manage the efficient execution of inbound and outbound shipments across global logistics networks to ensure compliance with service level agreements and KPIs while supporting the achievement of budget targets.

• Analyse logistics performance and identify opportunities for optimisation, including route planning, shipment consolidation, and cost reduction initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with EU customs regulations and international trade requirements, including management of customs documentation, tariff classification, origin rules, and administration of special customs procedures such as Inward Processing.

• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities to support timely customs clearance and compliance.

• Maintain and strengthen customs compliance processes aligned with AEO best-practice standards, including internal controls, regulatory monitoring, and support for customs reviews / audits, while ensuring alignment with applicable aviation security requirements for air cargo shipments.

• Initiate and manage claims with carriers and logistics providers to recover costs for lost or damaged shipments.

• Perform ad hoc studies and analyses to support operational improvements and evolving business needs.

• Lead, coach, and develop logistics personnel to strengthen operational capabilities and promote a culture of operational and compliance excellence.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of experience in global logistics, international transportation, and customs compliance, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience managing international freight forwarders, logistics service providers, and customs brokers.

• Experience managing global transportation contracts and overseeing international logistics budgets.

• Strong knowledge of EU customs regulations, import / export procedures, cross-border logistics requirements, aviation security requirements for air cargo, and special customs procedures such as Inward Processing.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple levels and regions of the organisation.

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage logistics teams while driving operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration.