Trade Compliance Manager

This job is with Thermo Fisher Scientific, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

The Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for providing regional leadership and oversight for the execution of compliant import/export operations across Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic. In alignment with Thermo Fisher’s Mission and 4i Values (Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, Involvement), this role ensures adherence to the EU Customs Union, the Union Customs Code (UCC), Dual-Use export regulations, and Thermo Fisher internal Global Trade Compliance (GTC) standards.

This manager leads and develops a regional team of coordinators and partners cross-functionally to drive operational excellence, mitigate regulatory risk, and enable on-time delivery of critical clinical trial materials and products.

• Leadership & People Development (Aligned to Thermo Fisher Leadership Expectations)
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Import/Export Coordinators across BE/DE/CZ; create a strong compliance culture rooted in the 4i Values.
  • Provide ongoing feedback, performance management, and career development opportunities.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, employee empowerment, and operational discipline.
  • Exhibit Managerial Courage by proactively addressing risk, performance concerns, and noncompliance
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance (Integrity | Intensity)
  • Serve as the regional subject matter expert for import/export compliance, applying UCC, EU Dual-Use regulations, and country-specific customs requirements.
  • Ensure operational alignment with Thermo Fisher’s Global Trade Compliance policies, Quality Management System, and client-specific obligations.
  • Partner with Internal Audit, Quality, and Corporate GTC during audits, AEO certification processes, and regulatory inspections.
  • Maintain an effective internal control framework for customs activities in the region
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement (Innovation | Involvement)
  • Lead the standardization, optimization, and automation of trade compliance processes across BE/DE/CZ.
  • Oversee classification (HS codes), origin determination, valuations, and licensing requirements.
  • Support digital transformation initiatives, including system enhancements for customs documentation and workflows.
  • Develop and monitor KPIs to measure compliance health, operational performance, and business impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Partnership
  • Act as the primary point of contact for trade compliance within the region, supporting colleagues in Clinical Supplies, Logistics, Procurement, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal.
  • Participate in regional and global trade compliance working groups to share best practices and harmonize processes.
  • Advise business leaders on compliance risks and opportunities related to clinical trial distribution, project planning, and new business initiatives.
• External Stakeholder & Regulatory Authority Engagement
  • Manage regional relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.
  • Proactively address and escalate trade compliance issues with customs authorities when required.
  • Ensure brokers operate in accordance with Thermo Fisher standards and contractual expectations.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Supply Chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• 6–8+ years of relevant EU trade compliance experience; experience supporting life sciences or clinical trial logistics strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience—direct people management or strong team lead responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of EU trade laws, AEO, special procedures, import/export licensing, and customs automation systems.
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and supply chain systems; experience with ERP or customs management tools is a plus

When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to…