As Transport & Customs Expert, you will be the reference point for all matters related to the transport of goods and their regulatory compliance — from dangerous goods handling to export-controlled shipments and customs clearance. This role is combining deep technical expertise with hands-on day-to-day operational execution: you will both define and own the standards, and personally ensure they are applied on every shipment. While the responsibilities below reflect your primary focus, your scope may evolve as the business grows.

Transport Operations

• Organize and execute import and export shipments across all transport modes (air, road, sea), ensuring timely and cost-effective execution.
• Manage relationships with freight forwarders, carriers, and customs brokers; evaluate their performance and ensure service quality.
• Handle exceptional transport requirements (oversized, sensitive, or high-value equipment) in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Proactively communicate with all internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, freight forwarders, customs agents, production, procurement) to anticipate risks and resolve issues.
• Track shipment status end-to-end; escalate delays or anomalies that could impact production or customer delivery timelines.
• Ensure the shipment are properly insured with support of Finance Team

Customs & Trade Compliance

• Perform or supervise customs declarations and clearance for import and export shipments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and issue all required shipping and customs documentation: packing lists, shipping instructions, commercial invoices, certificates of origin, ATA carnets, EUR.1, and similar instruments.
• Ensure correct HS code classification and applicable duty/VAT treatment for all goods shipped by Aerospacelab.
• Maintain accurate customs records and support any audit or regulatory inquiry.

Dangerous Goods Management

• Act as the company’s ADR Safety Adviser for road transport of dangerous goods, fulfilling all statutory obligations of that role.
• Manage IATA Dangerous Goods shipments (air transport), ensuring correct classification, packaging, labelling, marking, and documentation in compliance with IATA DGR.
• Train and advise internal teams on dangerous goods handling procedures; maintain the internal DG register and incident log.
• Prepare and submit the annual ADR accident report to the competent authority as required by Belgian legislation.

Export Control Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, and EU Dual-Use) for all outbound shipments and technology transfers.
• Verify ECCN/USML classifications and applicable license requirements prior to any export; maintain a register of export authorizations.
• Interface with the Procurement Director and external legal counsel on export license applications and compliance queries.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Aerospacelab’s export control internal compliance program.

Continuous Improvement & ERP

• Maintain accurate records of all transport and customs activities; contribute to KPI reporting and performance dashboards.
• Be proficient and actively involved in ERP improvement initiatives (Odoo), particularly in the logistics and customs modules.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce transport cost, lead times, and compliance risk.

• 5+ years of experience in international transport, freight forwarding, or logistics operations, including direct customs clearance experience.
• Valid ADR Safety Adviser certification — all classes or at minimum classes 1, 2, and 3.
• IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations certification (Category 6 or equivalent shipper/freight forwarder level), current and valid.
• Hands-on ability to perform customs declarations and manage clearance procedures autonomously, including the preparation of all required shipping and customs documentation.
• Experience with multimodal international transport (air, road, sea) and solid knowledge of Incoterms.
• Strong organizational and operational skills; structured, hands-on, and able to manage multiple shipments simultaneously under time pressure.
• Excellent communication skills in both French and English; ability to interact clearly with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Experience in exceptional transport — oversized or heavy loads requiring special permits and route planning.
• Demonstrated knowledge of export control regulations, particularly EAR and ITAR, and their practical application to hardware shipments.
• Knowledge on Belgian export licensing procedures.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g. Odoo, SAP, or similar) and logistics management modules.
• Background in the aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing sector.
• Relevant degree or diploma in Logistics, International Trade, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent professional experience.