Global Head of Customs Tax

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At JLR, we're on a continual journey to reimagine the future of modern luxury, and we want you to be part of it. Through our exquisite and timeless house of brands – Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar – we're defining a new approach to sustainability and providing exceptional experiences. As a leader here, you have the opportunity to influence the way we think, providing your unique insight and vision for a better future.

It's time to become a proud creator.

This is a great opportunity to join the JLR tax team during a very exciting time.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Global Head of Customs to lead and optimise our global customs operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in origin, classification, and valuation, with a strong track record of driving change and delivering value across international markets, particularly the UK, China, and the US, while also possessing experience across other global territories.

This role requires a proactive, self-driven leader who can develop and inspire a high-performing team, lead complex transformation projects, and ensure compliance while identifying opportunities for customs optimisation across the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a global customs strategy aligned with business goals.
• Define global import/export policies, standards and guidelines based on best practices for international movement of goods.
• Anticipate, action and respond to international trade developments impacting JLR's business, particularly where they are likely to increase JLR’s annual duty and trade tariff exposure.
• Provide expert guidance on customs matters in key markets (UK, China, US) and other global territories.
• Represent the company in customs-related matters with external stakeholders and authorities, including HMRC, SMMT, ACEA etc.
• Oversee global customs compliance, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations, and support with escalations in local markets where needed.
• Manage and improve processes related to origin determination, tariff classification, and customs valuation.
• Identify and implement duty mitigation strategies, including FTAs, customs regimes, and special programs.
• Build, lead, and mentor a global customs team.
• Define measurable performance targets for central and regional trade teams and effectively lead central and regional trade teams towards set goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.
• Engage cross-functionally and work closely with supply chain, legal, finance, and commercial teams to align customs strategy with broader business objectives.
• Support product launches and new market entries from a customs perspective.

Internal

• Procurement
• Transformation & Performance

External

• Global Tax Authorities

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior customs leadership role, ideally within the automotive sector.
• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness, and ability to make decisions factoring in a wide range of potential impacts outside of the direct customs & trade implications.
• Deep knowledge of origin, classification, and valuation principles.
• Knowledge of duty reliefs such as IPR, RGR, End use, bonded warehouses, first sale etc
• Experience of implementing and managing AEO.
• Demonstrated success in optimising global customs positions and leading transformational change projects.
• Strong understanding of customs regulations in UK, China, US, and other global markets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results.
• Experienced in working across multiple geographies/jurisdictions and demonstrated effective inter-cultural communication.
• Experience in managing, building and developing high-performing teams.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment, with regular presence at the Coventry – Whitley site.

• Degree in International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or related field.
• Professional customs certifications.
• Automotive industry…