As the world and the way people live is changing, we at Bekaert believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. With a 140+ year old heritage of excellence, innovation, and a future-focused mindset, we strive to create value for our customers and society. We aim to do this through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of steel wire transformation and coatings whilst also leveraging our expertise to develop innovative solutions with new materials and services in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. Our focus extends to markets such as new mobility, low-carbon construction, and green energy.
As a dynamic and growing company with over 19 000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and € 3,7 billion in combined revenue in 2025, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as we continue to shape a safer, more efficient, and connected world!
The Head of Trade is responsible for shaping and executing the company's global trade strategy to enhance competitiveness, protect margins, and support sustainable growth in an increasingly complex international trade environment.
This role ensures that trade considerations are embedded into key business decisions by balancing compliance, cost optimization, market access, and geopolitical risk management. Acting as a strategic partner to the Business Units and senior leadership, the Head of Trade translates evolving trade regulations and market developments into practical actions that strengthen the company's global manufacturing and supply chain footprint.
Trade Strategy & Market Access
- Develop and execute the company's global trade and market access strategy together with the Business Units and Commercial Excellence Team
- Assess the impact of tariffs, trade agreements, sanctions, and regulatory changes on business.
- Recommend actions to improve competitiveness and reduce trade-related costs.
- Support Business Units and Procurement team on footprint, sourcing, manufacturing, and investment decisions from a trade perspective.
- Evaluate trade implications of M&A transactions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Tariff & Customs Optimization
- Lead global tariff mitigation initiatives.
- Optimize customs valuation, country of origin, product classification, and duty management processes.
- Maximize utilization of free trade agreements and special trade programs.
- Identify opportunities for tariff engineering and supply chain redesign with the Procurement Team.
- Monitor and manage anti-dumping, countervailing duty, and trade remedy exposure.
Trade Compliance & Governance together with the Customs Team
- Ensure compliance with global customs regulations,
- Develop and maintain company-wide trade compliance policies and procedures.
- Lead trade audits, investigations, and interactions with regulatory authorities.
- Establish robust governance, controls, training, and monitoring processes.
- Mitigate compliance risks while enabling business growth.
Regulatory & Geopolitical Risk Management
- Monitor global trade developments and emerging regulations.
- Assess business exposure to geopolitical risks and changing trade policies.
- Lead preparedness efforts related to CBAM, local content requirements, export restrictions, and sanctions regimes.
- Advise senior leadership on potential impacts and mitigation actions.
Supply Chain & Procurement Partnership
- Partner with relevant teams such as Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams.
- Support sourcing and manufacturing decisions
- Ensure trade considerations are incorporated into network optimization and resilience programs.
- Drive end-to-end visibility of trade costs and risks.
External Engagement supported by the Governmental Affairs Team
- Build relationships with customs authorities, trade associations, and external advisors
- Influence policy discussions where appropriate in cooperation with the Governmental Affairs Team.
- Ensure the company remains informed of upcoming regulatory developments.
Key Deliverables
- Reduction in tariff and duty costs. Increased utilization of trade agreements and duty-saving programs.
- Improved market access and sourcing flexibility.
- Ensure trade compliance and resilience against geopolitical disruptions.
- Timely response to regulatory changes.
- Reporting on, and management of trade risks and opportunities.
Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, International Trade, Economics, Law, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
- 8-10 years of experience in international trade, customs, supply chain, regulatory affairs, or related disciplines.
- Experience in a global industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record managing complex cross-border and cross-functional trade issues.
- Strong understanding of tariffs, customs, export controls, sanctions, and trade agreements.
Skills
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
- Deep knowledge of global trade regulations.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and financial capabilities.
- Ability to translate regulatory developments into business actions.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
We're looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team!
At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers
