It's more than a job. As a Customs Specialist at Kuehne+Nagel, your role is to optimise logistics to keep our global supply chains running smoothly. Your expertise makes special and ordinary moments possible across the world.
Position
The Global Customs Development Head will lead the global customs technology platform, driving AI‑augmented development and delivering transformational programmes.
Responsibilities
* Implement Customs strategy as the senior development authority for Kuehne+Nagel's proprietary customs management platform, working with Product and Architecture stakeholders to translate strategic architecture into executable roadmaps.
* Lead the AI‑augmented developer model defining and implementing the transition to AI‑assisted code generation (e.g., AI coding assistants, LLM‑based tooling), including change management, toolchain adoption, and governance to ensure safe, productive use at scale.
* Lead the development team, with a dual responsibility for working with Delivery Managers to guarantee the timely delivery of projects and working with Software Developers to secure solid solutions with efficient use of resources.
* Define and own engineering standards covering software architecture principles, code quality, testing practices, CI/CD pipelines, and security‑by‑design across the full customs development portfolio — desktop applications, integration/EDI, web portals, and AI/LLM components.
* Partner with other stakeholders to align development capacity with strategic priorities and ensure coherent, end‑to‑end delivery across the customs technology organisation.
Qualifications
* A substantial career in the development domain (min. 12 years, with a trajectory from hands‑on engineering through technical leadership to people management). You no longer write production code, but your technical judgement is grounded in real delivery experience.
* Proven track record across both client‑side and server‑side technologies. Candidates who have built or led delivery across desktop applications, server/backend services, and web‑facing layers will be strongly preferred.
* Experience directly managing teams of 10‑30+ engineers or leading through first‑line managers in a structured, corporate setting. Ability to recruit, develop, and retain technical talent across geographies.
* Hands‑on or leadership experience spanning multiple application paradigms, including desktop applications, integration/EDI, web portals, and emerging AI/LLM‑powered components. Familiarity with enterprise software is a significant advantage.
* Either direct experience adopting AI‑assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, or similar LLM‑based coding assistants) within an engineering team or demonstrated ability to lead technology adoption change programmes at scale. Candidates must articulate a credible vision for how AI accelerates developer productivity without compromising quality or governance.
* Familiarity with AWS services and cloud‑native development patterns is advantageous. Experience designing or governing cloud‑hosted application landscapes is valued.
* Proven ability to operate effectively in a matrix structure, influencing across business units, geographies, and functional lines. Experience managing or coordinating with external technology vendors and offshore or nearshore delivery partners.
* Excellent written and spoken English is essential. The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to senior business stakeholders and to inspire confidence in engineering teams is critical. Proficiency in additional European languages is an advantage.
Benefits
* Individual career development planning with access to global mobility and leadership programmes.
* Flexible and mobile working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
* Comprehensive benefits package including supplementary health insurance and additional well‑being offerings.
* A diverse, international environment where initiative, collaboration, and continuous learning are rewarded.
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