Trade Compliance Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Trade Compliance and strategic Special Foreign Trade Programs Lead to oversee and manage Mexico’s key foreign trade and fiscal-customs related incentive programs, including IMMEX, PROSEC, VAT & Excise Tax Certification, VAT & Excise Tax Guarantee and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). This role is critical to ensure full regulatory compliance, maximizing tax and customs benefits, and safeguarding the company’s operational continuity and legal standing. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in trade compliance, strong cross-functional leadership, and the ability to serve as the primary liaison with government authorities such as, General Foreign Trade Audit administration, the Ministry of Economy, and Mexican Customs.

Who You Are & What You’ll Do

• Design and implement a robust trade compliance governance framework.

• Ensure full compliance with IMMEX, PROSEC, VAT Guarantee and VAT Certification, and AEO program requirements, among others.

• Act as the main point of contact with customs authorities.

• Ensure compliance with Annex 24 and Annex 30, including ERP reconciliation and inventory control.

• In relation to Customs: attend customs audits, inspections, and responses to government inquiries.

• Manage non-tariff permits, NOMs, and import/export authorizations.

• Lead internal and external audits related to customs and trade programs.

• Maintain a positive compliance profile with the General Foreign Trade Audit Administration, the Ministry of Economy, and Mexican Customs.

• Administer the day-to-day operations of IMMEX, PROSEC, VAT Guarantee and VAT Certification, and AEO programs.

• Supervise fixed asset control under temporary import regimes.

• Coordinate destruction notices, regularizations, and regime changes.

• Monitor import volumes under Rule 8 and ensure compliance.

• Lead AEO compliance committees.

• Support legal defense in customs-related disputes.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customs documentation and procedures.

• Develop and track customs-related KPIs.

• Deliver training on import/export compliance across departments.

What You’ll Need To Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Business Administration, or related field.

• 7+ years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, or foreign trade programs.

• In-depth knowledge of IMMEX, PROSEC, VAT Certification, AEO, and related regulations.

• Experience managing Annex 24/30 systems and ERP integration.

• Strong understanding of HTS classification, customs valuation, and origin rules.

• Proven ability to manage audits and government interactions.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) high fluency is needed.

• Experience with USMCA and other trade agreements.

• Familiarity with Rule 8 and duty optimization strategies.

• Strong communication skills with an ability to deliver complex information to a variety of audiences with impact.

• 3rd party relationship management.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.