Customs Compliance Manager (Ho Chi Minh City)

About The Role
As Customs Compliance Manager, you will lead the compliance team responsible for regulatory monitoring, SOP development, pre-filing quality assurance, post-clearance audit readiness, and client advisory. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will directly perform compliance activities while also overseeing the Compliance Team and coordinating closely with the Declaration Team to ensure customs filings meet the highest standards of accuracy and legal compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Monitoring &
Legal Advisory
Lead daily scanning and analysis of regulatory changes across customs, trade, tax legislation, and related regulations at national and sub-departmental levels
Assess the operational impact of new and amended regulations on DGF's customs operations, client accounts, and declaration processes
Provide timely, accurate legal advisory to MNC clients on regulatory changes, compliance obligations, and risk mitigation strategies
Track enforcement trends and customs audit patterns across sub-departments to anticipate compliance risks
SOP Development &
Process Governance
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures for declaration processes, HS classification, FTA/C/O utilization, customs valuation, commodity regulations, and document management
Design and implement compliance checklists, pre-filing verification protocols, and quality control workflows
Quality Assurance &
Pre-Filing Review
Develop pre-filing review frameworks to verify declaration accuracy: HS codes, customs valuation, commodity policy compliance, license/permit requirements, and FTA eligibility
Establish and enforce a 2-layer verification process for all declarations
Post-Clearance Audit &
Risk Management
Conduct periodic internal audits of declaration accuracy and document filing, identifying patterns, root causes, and corrective actions
Manage responses to customs queries, inspections, and post-clearance audit requests in coordination with relevant teams
Customs Solutions &
Client Engagement
Design customs solutions for complex client scenarios across multiple sectors
Support business development with compliance advisory for prospective clients, regulatory impact assessments, and solution proposals
Deliver training workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions for internal teams and client stakeholders on regulatory updates and compliance best practices
Team Oversight &
Collaboration
Oversee and mentor the Compliance Team, ensuring consistent quality and professional development
Coordinate with the Declaration Manager to embed compliance checkpoints into the operational workflow
Collaborate with IT on process automation initiatives and deployment of the customs legal intelligence tool
Report to DGF Customs Head on compliance status, regulatory risks, and strategic recommendations
Experience
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience in Vietnamese customs operations, with at least 3 years in a compliance, regulatory advisory, or quality assurance role
Demonstrated experience working with complex commodity groups: high-tech electronics, chemicals, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or similar regulated products
Proven track record of handling post-clearance audits, customs disputes, or regulatory investigations
Experience serving multinational corporate accounts with high compliance expectations is advantageous
Valid Customs Agent Certificate issued by the General Department of Vietnam Customs
Knowledge &
Skills
Deep, current knowledge of Vietnamese customs law and related regulations
Strong command of HS classification principles, customs valuation methods, FTA/C/O rules of origin, commodity policy regulations
Proficiency with VNACCS/VCIS electronic customs declaration systems
Excellent analytical and legal-research skills - ability to interpret regulatory text and translate into operational guidance
Proficient in English - ability to draft client advisories, SOPs, and compliance reports in English
Strong communication skills - able to explain complex regulatory issues clearly to both operational staff and senior client stakeholders
Strong automation skills and mindset are advantageous
Education
Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Law, Customs, Logistics, Economics, or related field
Advanced degree or professional certifications in trade compliance, customs law, or supply chain management are advantageous
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