Freight & Customs Operations Specialist

Freight & Customs Operations Specialist (based in Basel)

Position Summary
The Freight & Customs Operations Specialist coordinates international freight movements and supports customs and trade compliance to ensure smooth, cost-effective and timely delivery of goods. Acting as a key link between internal teams, suppliers, freight forwarders and customs brokers, the role helps prevent delays, compliance issues and unnecessary transportation costs while supporting supplier readiness, operational excellence and continuous process improvement.
The role requires a strong balance between freight execution, customs awareness, communication discipline and operational urgency. The successful candidate must be able to support fast-moving international freight operations while ensuring that customs and documentation requirements are properly addressed.

You would benefit from a home office arrangement of two days per month.

Your Role

• Coordinate international shipments with freight forwarders, carriers, customs brokers, suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Manage shipment execution from pickup through delivery
• Support AOG, urgent and time-critical shipments, including operational follow-up, documentation readiness and escalation when required
• Support customs and trade activities by ensuring required documentation is complete and compliant prior to shipment
• Assist with subcontracting and supplier logistics flows, including supplier readiness and documentation requirements
• Monitor shipment performance, transportation costs and operational risks, and escalate issues when needed
• Support regional and cross-site flows beyond Basel where needed
• Review basic customs documentation requirements, including commercial invoice, packing list, HS code, origin, value, Incoterms and reason for export/import
• Escalate complex customs, VAT, export-control or trade-compliance topics to the relevant internal experts
• Support temporary export/import, repair, return, subcontracting and special customs regime flows where applicable
• Support customs clearance activities and collaborate with internal experts on complex trade compliance matters
• Contribute to reporting, KPI tracking, cost control and freight invoice validation.
• Participate in process improvements and the development of standardized freight and customs procedures

What we offer you

• An exciting and challenging entry-level role in a dynamic environment
• Various opportunities for professional and personal development
• Chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects
• A motivated and cheerful team that looks forward to working with you
• Our events are great! We also have lots of fun together outside of working hours

Your Profile

• Background in Logistics, Supply Chain, International Trade, Customs or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, transport coordination, customs support or international logistics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with internal stakeholders, suppliers, freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Good understanding of international freight operations, import/export processes and customs documentation.
• Exposure to airfreight, urgent shipments, aerospace, MRO, manufacturing or high-value goods environment is a strong plus.
• Comfortable escalating risks, delays, cost exposure or compliance concerns
• Awareness of VAT, export control, dual-use, sanctions or special customs regimes is a plus
• Familiarity with Incoterms, commercial invoices, packing lists, HS codes and international trade requirements.
• Experience working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Proficient in Excel; experience with SAP, Power BI or freight management systems is an advantage.
• Strong follow-up discipline and attention to detail.
• Structured, reliable and detail oriented
• Fluent in English; German is strongly preferred.