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RS Global Search Partners

Head of Practice - Customs & Trade Compliance

United Kingdom
Posted about 23 hours ago
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Head of Practice – Customs & Trade Compliance

Executive Search | Global Logistics | Remote (UK or Europe)

Build a practice from the ground up

We are an executive search business specialising in the global logistics market. We're launching a dedicated Customs & Trade Compliance practice and are looking for a founding Head to build it.

Tariffs, sanctions, origin rules and shifting trade regimes have pushed customs and trade compliance from a back-office function to a boardroom priority. Logistics providers, freight forwarders, 3PLs, brokers and shippers all need senior compliance leaders, and they struggle to find them. This role is your chance to become the go-to name for that talent.

The role

This is a true build opportunity. You will have the autonomy to design the practice, set its strategy and grow it into a global desk. You'll be both a hands-on headhunter and a business builder.

You will:

  • Own the strategy, positioning and growth plan for the Customs & Trade Compliance practice
  • Win and deliver retained and exclusive senior and executive searches across the global logistics sector
  • Build deep relationships with Heads of Customs, Trade Compliance Directors, Chief Compliance Officers, VPs of Global Trade and the leaders who hire them
  • Map the market and develop a trusted network of senior candidates and clients worldwide
  • Advise clients on talent strategy, market trends, compensation and organisation design within trade compliance
  • Establish the practice's brand through thought leadership, events, industry bodies and networking
  • Recruit, coach and lead future consultants and researchers as the desk scales
  • Work closely with leadership and colleagues across other practices to cross-sell and collaborate

Reasons to use Rodeo

I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?

Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.

Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.

Start with a chat, not a search bar

Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.

P

Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme

PwC·London, UK
£35,000/yr

Why you're a good match

Strong

Your economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.

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It searches the market for you

Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.

Why you're a good match

You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.

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Strong

Experience fit

Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.

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Strong

Only hits

No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.

About you

Essential:

  • Proven track record in executive search or senior-level recruitment, with a strong network in customs, trade compliance or international trade within logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain or a closely related sector
  • Credibility with senior stakeholders: you can hold your own with a CEO, CFO or Chief Compliance Officer
  • A business development mindset, with evidence of winning and growing client relationships
  • An entrepreneurial, self-starting approach and comfort building without a playbook
  • Deep understanding of the compliance landscape (customs regulation, tariffs, export controls, sanctions, AEO and similar programmes)
  • Excellent communication, judgement and discretion

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Desirable:

  • Experience in the logistics industry as a practitioner or adviser to it
  • Prior experience building or leading a desk or practice, and managing a team
  • Exposure to specialist verticals such as life sciences, pharma or energy

What we offer

  • Genuine ownership and autonomy to shape a global practice
  • Fully remote working from the UK or Europe, with occasional travel to clients and events
  • Competitive base salary plus uncapped performance-related earnings
  • Clear progression as the practice grows

How to apply

Send your CV and a brief note on why this opportunity interests you to [rhys.bryan@rs-gsp.com]. All conversations are handled in strict confidence.

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Location

United Kingdom

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