Estée Lauder Companies Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Role & Responsibilities

• Hold full functional and disciplinary responsibility for all Customs, Trade, and Compliance activities for Travel Retail China & China mainland with end-to-end accountability for the Hainan operational Distribution Center and related bonded operations
• Ensure full compliance of imports, exports, border crossings, bonded-to-duty-free, bonded-to-bonded, and domestic transfer flows in accordance with PRC Customs (GACC) regulations and Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) requirements
• Act as the primary accountable owner for compliance with Chinese Customs authorities (GACC), local Customs offices, and Hainan FTP regulatory bodies, including coordination on inspections, audits, and regulatory inquiries
• Manage and resolve daily operational Customs compliance issues, including Customs holds, inspection findings, HS classification disputes, valuation questions, and documentation discrepancies
• Oversee and monitor all import, bonded warehouse, processing trade, and export declarations, ensuring accurate filing via China International Trade Single Window and timely clearance
• Ensure compliance with Hainan FTP–specific duty-free and bonded policies, including eligibility rules, inventory control, consumer quotas, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Develop, update, and maintain China-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering bonded warehouse operations, duty-free and FTP handling, customs declaration processes, CIQ-related requirements, and customs inspection and audit readiness
• Design, develop, and coordinate internal Customs and Trade Compliance training programs focused on China Customs regulations, Hainan FTP policy frameworks, bonded and duty-free operational controls, and HS classification and valuation principles
• Plan, implement, and execute internal and external Customs compliance audits, including audits of customs brokers, bonded warehouse operators, and logistics partners
• Stay continuously current on changes in Chinese laws, regulations, and administrative practices impacting Customs, trade compliance, and logistics
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and technical guidance to Customs compliance staff and key internal stakeholders across Travel Retail China
• Ensure strict compliance with China-specific and international regulatory frameworks, including bonded warehouse and FTP supervision models, preferential origin and FTA application, China AEO requirements, Known Shipper and air security regulations, and Dangerous Goods regulations
• Initiate, lead, and implement process improvement and compliance enhancement projects across Travel Retail Distribution Center and China mainland
• Drive close collaboration with Travel Retail Customer Service, Travel Retail Supply Management, Transportation Management, and International Trade & Customs teams
• Promote and implement innovative logistics, Customs, and bonded operation solutions tailored to the China and Hainan FTP ecosystem

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain or logistics with specialization in customs
• Excellent understanding of international trade, customs, and transportation regulations with focus on China jurisdiction
• Extensive knowledge of Chinese and International Customs laws and regulations with profound knowledge of bonded warehouse regulations and stock-management
• 10 years of progressive work experience in logistics with advancing responsibility
• AEO compliance expertise
• Sound knowledge of international transportation business (air/ocean/truck) and their regulations, including IATA, IMO, ADR, and Known Shipper requirements
• Experience conducting internal customs audits
• Fluent English and Mandarin Chinese (verbal, read, and write)
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Package, including SharePoint, MS Excel (models, macros, pivot tables, formatting, look-up tables, linking, database design), with ability to identify and present root cause findings
• Experience with ERP IT Systems (SAP SD/MM) and WMS platforms
• Strong analytical capabilities and comfort working in complex, fast-paced environments
• Proven record in people and stakeholder management
• Solutions-oriented personality with composed attitude when facing challenging situations
• Training or relevant experience in import/export, customs, compliance, or related certifications; working experience within customs broker or travel retail environment highly desirable

Skills

Experience

10 years of progressive work experience in logistics with advancing responsibility, with demonstrated expertise in customs compliance, bonded warehouse operations, and international trade regulations. Prior experience in customs broker environments or travel retail operations is highly desirable. Proven ability to manage complex regulatory requirements and lead compliance initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, or a related field with specialization in customs. Additional certifications in customs compliance, AEO, or international trade regulations are desirable.

Workplace

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.