Junior and Senior Profiles – Customs & International Trade

Customs, Trade & Supply Chain Advisory | Brussels / Antwerp | Hybrid

Global trade is being reshaped by geopolitical tensions, evolving customs requirements, sanctions regimes, sustainability regulations and increasingly complex supply chains. For businesses operating across borders, Customs & International Trade has become a strategic boardroom issue, and for legal professionals, one of the most dynamic areas of practice.

At CMS Belgium, we help clients transform regulatory complexity into commercial opportunity. We are now building an entirely new Customs & International Trade team within our Tax Practice Group, and we are looking for both junior and senior profiles to make it happen. Whether you are at the start of your career or an experienced specialist, we encourage you to apply: we want to bring together complementary talents who will shape this team from day one.

Members of the team will advise leading Belgian and international companies on customs, trade and supply chain matters, working closely with our Tax, Corporate, Regulatory, Competition, ESG and Supply Chain teams and with colleagues throughout the CMS international network.

Your profile

For all candidates:

• A Master of Laws degree from a Belgian or European university (for senior profiles, a Master’s degree in Economics or Political Science is also considered)
• Admission to the Belgian Bar, or eligibility or a clear intention to pursue a career within the profession
• Relevant experience gained within a law firm, consultancy, multinational company, customs administration or international organisation
• Fluency in English and either Dutch or French; proficiency in all three languages is a strong advantage
• Excellent analytical, drafting and communication skills
• A proactive, pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset

For more junior profiles, we are looking for:

• Approximately 1 to 5 years of relevant experience
• A strong interest in customs law, international trade, indirect taxation, supply chains and international business
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Genuine curiosity about international trade and regulatory developments

What would make you stand out: previous experience in customs, VAT, tax, regulatory or international business matters; exposure to customs audits, compliance or litigation; knowledge of sanctions, export controls or trade compliance; an academic focus on tax, customs, European law or international trade; experience studying or working abroad.

For more senior profiles, we are looking for:

• Approximately 8 to 15 years of relevant experience
• Strong expertise in customs law, international trade regulation and supply chain matters
• Proven ability to manage complex client relationships and sophisticated cross-border matters
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to operate confidently with legal, tax, finance, operational and executive stakeholders

What would make you stand out: recognised expertise in customs valuation, origin, classification or customs litigation; expertise in sanctions, export controls or trade compliance; sector experience in logistics, manufacturing, life sciences, retail, consumer products, technology or energy; experience with Belgian customs authorities, the European Commission or international organisations; a strong network within the customs and trade community; a track record in business development and practice building; experience managing multi-jurisdictional projects.

Your responsibilities

The scope and level of autonomy will reflect each candidate’s experience.

Advising clients on customs and international trade matters

• Customs valuation, tariff classification and rules of origin
• Customs authorisations, including AEO status and special procedures
• Customs audits, investigations, disputes and litigation before Belgian and European customs authorities and courts
• Customs compliance programmes, governance frameworks and internal controls
• Customs-efficient supply chain structures and the management of customs risks and opportunities
• Customs aspects of mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and supply chain transformations

Navigating the evolving international trade landscape

• EU and international sanctions regimes
• Export controls, dual-use regulations and trade restrictions
• Trade compliance programmes
• CBAM, ESG-related trade measures and emerging sustainability requirements
• Monitoring legislative and policy developments
• Multi-jurisdictional projects through the CMS international network
• Submissions and interactions with Belgian, EU and international authorities

Building the practice together

• Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues
• Collaborating across practice groups to deliver integrated solutions
• Contributing to publications, client alerts, webinars, conferences and client training
• Supporting business development and market visibility
• For senior profiles specifically: developing long-term client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, mentoring junior team members and helping position CMS as a leading customs and trade practice in Belgium and across the network

What we offer

• Early responsibility, autonomy and direct client exposure
• Involvement in high-profile Belgian, European and international matters
• The opportunity to help build a strategic practice from the ground up
• Access to the CMS international platform, with more than 7,000 lawyers across 45+ countries
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial environment that values initiative and innovation
• Structured training and mentoring, and genuine long-term career development
• Competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexibility
• Access to international CMS trainings, conferences, secondments and networking opportunities

Recruitment process

1. An introductory conversation
2. An interview with the practice leadership, covering your experience, interests and ambitions
3. A final meeting with the team

Don’t tick every box? Apply anyway. We are looking for talented people who combine expertise or potential, sound judgment, an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative mindset. We value potential just as much as experience.

Want to talk first? Camille Vanhelleputte (HR Officer) is happy to have an informal, confidential chat: [email protected] | +32 2 743 69 28.

Direct applications only. No recruitment agencies or headhunters, please.