Trade Compliance Manager

Job DescriptionAs the Trade Compliance Manager, you will be based in our office in Leuven and will be responsible for ensuring that TOMRA Food operates in accordance with all applicable trade regulations and internal policies. This role requires ownership of procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders, as well as proactive support in driving both regulatory compliance and business efficiency.Key Responsibilities:Compliance Management: You will ensure that TOMRA Food’s practices remain compliant with international trade laws and regulations:Monitoring and interpreting international trade regulations, providing quarterly updates on embargos and sanctions.Developing, implementing, and maintaining trade compliance policies, including:Export Controls (EU and US Regulations)Corruption Index (embargo list/denied parties)Correct classification of goods and dual-use items (HS-coding)Maintenance of origin declarations and guidance to productionCustoms legislation, including CBAM (sustainability)Customs & VAT: correct set-up of exemption regulation, import/export record-keeping, application of Preferential Origin (FTA countries)INCOTERMS 2020Keeping management informed of compliance risks, gaps, and improvement initiatives.Acting as the primary contact with regulatory authorities on trade compliance matters.Influence & Business Partner: As a trusted advisor and influencer across the organisation, you will:Provide advice to Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and other departments on trade compliance topics.Influence colleagues and stakeholders to embed compliance discipline within processes, beyond direct authority.Offer expertise on letters of credit and bank guarantees, providing guidance where required.Deliver training, coaching, and awareness session to strengthen compliance knowledge throughout the organisation.Compliance Monitoring & Assurance: You will maintain robust governance and documentation by:Ensuring governance structures, processes, and controls are firmly in place for daily operations.Managing Incoterm blocks, dual-use items and embargo restrictions.Preparing and overseeing all documentation for import/export activities, including licences, permits, and certificates.Ensuring accurate transaction records are kept and archived in line with national and international requirements.Continuous Improvement & Effectiveness: You are expected to drive ongoing improvement in compliance processes:Reviewing and challenging existing practices to identify gaps, risks or inefficiencies.Recommending and implementing improvements to increase trade compliance maturity while enabling smoother, lower-cost trade flows.Working with the ERP/IFS team to digitalise and automate compliance checks and reporting.QualificationsAbout You:Bachelor’s degree in international business, logistics, supply chain management, or equivalent.3–5 years of work experience in trade compliance, import/export operations, or a related field.Demonstrated experience of influencing stakeholders and shaping processes beyond your remit.The ability to work independently, identifying and prioritising improvement areas.Experience implementing structures (such as processes or governance) to deliver lasting change.Strong networking and influencing skills to raise awareness, and educate others.Success in influencing others indirectly, through coaching, sparring, and training.The confidence to say “no” when necessary, while offering pragmatic solutions without compromising integrity.An analytical, structured, and improvement-focused mindset, balancing compliance with efficiency.Familiarity in trade compliance software and ERP systems is considered a benefit.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and guide employees.Additional InformationHow to Apply:If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you All applications will be managed in the strictest confidence.TOMRA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics. Reasonable accommodations will be made and will be provided as requested by candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.