Manager, Customs & Trade, India

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

The Manager, Customs & Trade, India will report directly to the Senior Manager Operations, India. This individual will collaborate closely with passionate internal colleagues across cross-functional teams such as Global customs & trade, Legal, GPA – Government and public affairs, Origin Strategy, Finance, Sales, Merch, Product supply chain and Marketplace Supply Chain teams. Externally, this role maintains close contact with customs and government officials, Customs broker, Consolidators and Legal consultants.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced Customs & Trade Manager to join Nike India's Operations team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Operations – India. This individual is responsible for ensuring the compliant, efficient, and uninterrupted flow of products into India by leading customs and trade operations, managing regulatory risks, and driving trade compliance excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic and results-oriented leader with deep expertise in Indian Customs regulations, International Trade Compliance, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), CAROTAR, BIS requirements, and regulatory governance. They will lead import operations, partner closely with local, regional, and global stakeholders, and engage with customs authorities, consultants, and service providers to enable seamless product movement while protecting Nike's reputation and business interests.

This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment, operates independently, solves complex challenges, influences cross-functional stakeholders, and continuously improves processes, controls, and compliance frameworks.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, International Trade, Business, Law, or a related field, with 8–10 years of experience in Customs, Trade Compliance, or International Trade.

• Strong expertise in Indian Customs regulations, FTAs, CAROTAR, BIS, and Trade Compliance frameworks.

• Proven experience leading teams and influencing stakeholders across a highly matrixed organization.

• Demonstrated success in managing Customs Brokers, customs audits, regulatory assessments, and government interactions.

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management capabilities.

• Operates independently with minimal guidance, demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, and applies innovative perspectives

• Experience developing compliance policies, governance frameworks, SOPs, and internal controls.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity, drive alignment, and deliver results in a dynamic business environment.

• Strong understanding of the footwear, apparel, or consumer goods industry.

• Experience in managing Customer broker, conducting compliance reviews, internal health checks, and self-audits.

• AEO (Authorized Economic Operator)  certification/application experience is highly desirable.

• Preferred Regulation 6 Certification (F-Card Holder); additional supply chain or trade certifications are an advantage.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Brings continuous improvement mindset focused on simplification, automation, and scalability. Collaborative, influential, and solutions-oriented

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.

• Ability to balance regulatory requirements with business objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

You will be part of the India Supply Chain Operations team, where your mission is to elevate services for Nike consumers. You will lead Nike India's Customs & Trade compliance, ensuring seamless product supply and flow, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation across all import activities. You will drive customs strategy, manage trade compliance requirements, partner with key stakeholders, and deliver initiatives that enable efficient, compliant, and cost-effective marketplace growth

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Customs & Trade team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Drive Nike India’s Customs & Trade Compliance strategy, ensuring full compliance with Customs regulations, BIS requirements, CAROTAR, FTAs, AEO standards, and other applicable trade frameworks.

• Lead end-to-end import and export operations, including customs classification, regulatory requirements, customs broker management, and timely customs clearance.

• Proactively manage customs-related risks, shipment holds, regulatory inquiries, and complex trade compliance challenges to ensure uninterrupted product flow.

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance policies, processes, controls, and governance frameworks that support compliant, efficient, and cost-effective operations.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Customs authorities, Customs Brokers, legal advisors, consultants, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Lead customs audits, regulatory reviews, certifications, and strategic compliance initiatives, including BIS factory certifications and renewals, AEO certification, and CAROTAR compliance.

• Drive operational excellence through performance management, process optimization, stakeholder training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide strategic guidance on evolving customs and trade regulations, ensuring the organization remains compliant while enabling business growth and marketplace expansion.

• Influence and align local, regional, and global stakeholders, simplify complex issues, and drive informed decision-making that balances compliance, service, cost, and business objectives.