Customs & Excise Manager LAC

Global Tax at Diageo strives to operate an extraordinary, effective, efficient, and agile tax function that can adapt to an increasingly complex, connected, and digital environment. The Customs & Excise (C&E) team in LAC is an integral part of Global Tax.

As a key member of the C&E team, you will lead the customs and excise agenda across the LAC Supply footprint-primarily in Mexico (home to the tequila and mezcal category across three production sites), as well as CCA and Venezuela (CCV) - but not limited to those countries, supporting regional projects.

The role partners closely with Supply to drive cost efficiency, standardize performance management, and build value through strong internal collaboration with markets and external relationships with 3PLs.

You are encouraged to be the technical guide in customs and excise legislation for your assigned markets. This includes staying ahead of regulatory changes, advising the business, and handling disputes with authorities, while also building deep external networks and product category knowledge.

Dimensions:

Financial

Diageo tax charges are in excess of £8bn pa: indirect tax being £7bn and direct tax £1bn. Out of the indirect tax segment, ~£400m is in LAC markets. Much larger amounts are at stake in bonded (duty suspended) regimes.

Market Complexity

This role covers a wide range of jurisdictions in LAC, with a core focus on Mexico and CCV. The role requires not only an understanding of regulations but also an awareness of the Diageo value chain and its impact in the context of our global structures.

Internally, this role is encouraged to have a high degree of interaction with the market Finance Directors, Supply, CR, Legal and other cross-functional teams across LAC. It will also work closely with other Global Tax teams.

Leadership Responsibilities & capabilities

• Capable of displaying Diageo Leadership Standard;
• Maintain positive relationship with key partners within the markets, developing a partnership and giving direction to the business;
• The role will be required to interact with the following key partners:

• Other members of Global Tax;
• Members of the global and market Finance functions, Supply, Legal, Corporate Relations, Procurement;
• Members of other Global Functions;
• Customs brokers;
• Trade bodies (support role to Corporate Relations);
• External advisers.

Purpose of Role

Provide oversight and mentorship to the Supply business in LAC in relation to imports, exports and local production / movement of excisable goods. You should be familiar with topics such as preferential origin, import licenses, free trade zones, excise tax stamps, audit management for markets in LAC, with a expertise in Mexico (particularly the IMMEX scheme). You should also have experience in setting up procedures that are effective in real life, which minimizes risks, as well as capitalizes on customs & excise opportunities in countries that Diageo partners with third parties for manufacturing and distribution.

Top Accountabilities

• Lead the customs & excise agenda
• Lead, develop and motivate 2-3 direct reports;
• Accountable for control assurance (CARM controls) assigned to the function;
• Handle audits and inquiries from government authorities;
• Partner Corporate Relations to support work with industry bodies and government agencies;
• Keep updated with customs and excise regulatory changes and standard process;
• Proactively understand and translate regulatory changes into practical action for key partners;
• Participate in global trade projects to deliver shareholder value/handle potential exposures.
• Support automation initiatives to improve efficiency

Qualifications and Experience Required

• 10+ years' experience in customs and excise compliance in the FMCG or related industry with line management experience;
• Excellent knowledge of customs & excise concepts in relation to alcohol, including preferential origin, import licenses, free trade zones, excise tax stamps, audit management for markets in LAC, with a specialism in Mexico (particularly the IMMEX scheme).
• Ability to size up risk and business opportunities even in ambiguous situations, providing in-depth analysis to problem solve and support the business;
• Demonstrable ability to engage and align key partners behind plans and win support for implementing new compliant and saving practices;
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain and indirect tax related processes is welcome;
• Excellent communication skills (both Spanish/ Portuguese and English), verbal and written combined with the ability to engage effectively at all levels in the organisation.

Barriers to Success in Role

• Inability to work effectively with senior level
• Inability to lead virtually and cross culturally
• Inability to straddle both at the strategic and detailed level

Flexible Working Statement:

Flexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you're supported to handle your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one.

Diversity statement:

Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And crafting an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this.

We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you'll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You'll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, approaches, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to new heights and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you.

If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you gather this information when you submit your application.

Client-provided location(s): Mexico City, Mexico

Job ID: Diageo-JR1114879

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-07-19T23:52:18