Customs Lead - International Tax & Trade

Lead PostNL's international customs strategy and shape the future of cross-border e-commerce

At PostNL, customs operations are not new - across 13 countries, sending e-commerce to approximately 200 destinations, our dedicated specialists manage complex customs and VAT processes every day. But now, we are creating a new strategic role: the Customs Lead.

As Customs Lead, you will:

Develop and implement a scalable customs and VAT strategy across PostNL’s international platforms

Ensure full compliance with EU and international regulations, including IOSS/OSS schemes

Lead, coach, and coordinate customs specialists in different countries, fostering collaboration and performance

Advise senior management and act as PostNL’s representative externally with authorities such as the Dutch Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance, PostEurop, IPC, and other industry bodies

Translate new regulations into practical, business-ready solutions

Monitor KPIs, audits, and the overall performance of customs operations

This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, turns regulatory challenges into commercial opportunities, and enjoys being at the center of strategy and execution.

This is your opportunity to turn complexity into impact. You will coordinate our international customs operations, unlock value through collaboration, and ensure that every cross-border transaction is compliant and efficient. You will be the bridge between PostNL Group (Tax, Legal, Public Affairs, Finance) and our fast paced international businesses like Spring, combining strategic thinking with practical, hands-on solutions.

Visible impact: lead the coordination of customs activities across our business models and help our teams work smarter and more efficiently.

Real challenges: navigate complex international markets, including fast-growing regions like the United States of America, the European Union and Middle East, where regulations and trade rules evolve constantly.

Collaboration: work closely with senior specialists in Tax, Legal, Public Affairs, Finance, and fast-moving operational and commercial units to solve complex cross-border challenges.

Autonomy: shape your role, lead a team of customs specialists, and translate strategy into measurable business impact.

Career growth: take a strategic leadership position, build an international team, and influence PostNL’s global trade operations.

You are a strategic, proactive professional who thrives in complex international environments, balancing commercial objectives with compliance, and able to influence senior stakeholders.

Requirements:

Master’s degree in Tax Law or Fiscal Economics

Minimum 8 years of experience in customs and/or VAT (consultancy or in-house, preferably international)

Deep knowledge of EU customs, VAT, and e-commerce regulations (IOSS/OSS, B2B2C, a.o.)

Experience coordinating teams across multiple countries

Excellent communication skills in English & Dutch

Proven leadership and stakeholder management experience

Salary: Scale 12 €5,200 – €7,559 gross per month, depending on education and experience, based on 37 hours/week. 32 hours/week also possible

Flexible hybrid working: including €45 home-office allowance for 2+ days/week at home

Holiday & leave: 8% holiday allowance, 25 vacation days (fulltime)

Travel allowance for commuting

Pension scheme via the PostNL pension fund

You will work in PostNL’s Platforms organization, spanning multiple countries and functions. You report to the Unit Director PostNL International Network Solutions and collaborate closely with senior specialists in Tax, Legal, Finance, and agile operational and commercials teams of PostNL International and Spring GDS.