Senior Manager – Global Trade & Customs Consulting

Maersk Global Trade and Customs Consulting (GTCC) is the international trade and customs consulting arm of Maersk. We support clients in navigating the complexities of cross-border trade by optimizing customs compliance, leveraging duty-saving opportunities, and improving supply chain efficiency. Our diverse, collaborative team partners closely with other Maersk business units across the globe to deliver strategic and practical solutions.
We are seeking a Senior Associate who is passionate about customs and trade advisory to join our expanding Japan practice. You will contribute to both local and regional engagements and play a vital role in delivering value to clients across a range of industries.

Key Responsibilities

·  Develop client-specific proposals and deliver presentations to articulate solutions, project scope, and value propositions.

·  Conduct introductory meetings with prospective clients, present Maersk and GTCC capabilities, and identify customer needs and business opportunities.

·  Represent GTCC at external seminars, webinars, industry events, and customer meetings by promoting GTCC services and thought leadership.

·  Respond confidently to client inquiries regarding customs, trade compliance, and GTCC service offerings, engaging relevant subject matter experts when required.

· Support Senior Manager and Manger in delivering high-impact projects related to customs valuation, tariff classification, origin determination, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization, and overall trade compliance.

· Conduct technical research on Japanese and international customs regulations, develop strategies for import/export optimization, and advise on risk mitigation.

· Identify opportunities for clients to reduce duty costs, improve compliance, or enhance operational efficiency.

· Collaborate across Maersk’s customs clearance, logistics, and warehousing functions in Japan and regionally.

· Support automation and digitalization efforts in customs processes and global trade management systems.

· Assist clients with customs audits, regulatory inquiries, and post-clearance reviews.

· Contribute to internal initiatives including business development, thought leadership, and practice innovation.

· Help foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment.

Qualifications & Skills

· Minimum 3 years of experience in trade and customs consulting firm, law firm, customs broker, or relevant government agency.

· Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:

o Customs valuation, tariff classification, origin rules and FTA/EPA utilization

o Japan’s import/export procedures and related regulations

o Preferential trade programs, bonded zones, or drawback regimes

o Customs audit response and risk management

· Project management experience with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

· A proactive and adaptable team player who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Japanese and English.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

· Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Economics, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.

Preferred but Not Required

· Prior experience working in the Trade and Customs division of a Big Four firm is a plus.

· Japanese customs broker license or related credentials.

· Experience with trade automation, supply chain systems, or sustainability-linked regulations (e.g., CBAM, EUDR).

· Familiarity with sector-specific trade issues (e.g., lifestyle, automotive, life sciences, electronics).

· Familiarity with data analysis or trade systems is a plus.

· Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret complex regulations.

· Effective presentation skills in both Japanese and English.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to work at the intersection of global trade, strategy, and logistics within a world-class organization.

· Access to a global network of customs professionals and subject matter experts.

· Continuous learning through in-house programs, international collaboration, and client-facing challenges.

· A flexible, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that fosters your professional growth.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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