YOUR OPPORTUNITY

To ensure full compliance with all applicable customs and state excise laws and regulatory requirements across Bacardi’s manufacturing units and distribution network in India. This includes licensing, policy monitoring, excise duty management, Import/export operations, tariff classification, valuation and origin and stakeholder coordination in a highly regulated and state-specific industry landscape.

ABOUT YOU

This role gives you the opportunity to be at the heart of Bacardi’s India operations, shaping how we navigate one of the most complex and dynamic regulatory landscapes in the liquor industry. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, government bodies, and industry associations, building deep expertise and influence in customs and excise. Beyond compliance, you’ll be a strategic advisor—impacting business models, product launches, and state-level decisions—while growing your career in a global, iconic organization where your expertise directly drives business continuity and growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES - WITH OUR CONSUMER AT THE HEART YOUR KEY FOCUS WILL BE

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Develop, implement, and maintain clear governance and a control process to ensure compliance in all Customs & Excise areas
• Advise management on regulatory-efficient business models and pricing strategies, especially regarding state-specific excise and customs duties and levies.
• Monitor changes in local Customs & Excise laws and proactively assess their impact on business.
• Maintain a regulatory change logbook and initiate updates to internal SOPs and processes as required. (for both - Manufacturing & Distribution)
• Monitor / Track (EVCs) and other compliance parameters across all units and ensure alignment with respective state excise policies.
• Lead in ensuring compliance related to import/export transactions and cross-border stock transfers.
• Lead, manage and respond to on time customs authority requirements, visits or audits.
• Participate in industry forums (e.g., CIABC, ISWAI) to stay updated on regulatory trends and engage in policy advocacy where applicable.
• Ensure all IT systems used in India are correctly setup for the reporting to C&E Authorities and request amendments if needed. (Master data setup, DACORE reporting – IPC set-up in Origin, Customs Tariff Classification, ExT rate, etc.).

Licensing & Documentation Management

• Coordinate timely renewal of licenses, label registrations, and permits in accordance with each state’s excise policy and customs bonded regimes.
• Track validity of all excise-related approvals and flag renewals proactively.
• Ensure compliance related to spirit wastage, bottle breakage, and accidental losses in line with excise norms.
• Guide plant teams in coordinating with departments for obtaining excise duty refunds across states.
• Support plant teams and Bond teams to fast-track Excise approvals related to destruction of Finished Goods.

Stakeholder Coordination & Audit Support

• Serve as the advisor for all interactions with State Excise Departments.
• Liaise with excise officers, legal consultants, and internal stakeholders for timely resolution of queries and inspections.
• Attend customs and excise inspections, audits, and hearings; prepare documentation and respond to notices, show-cause letters, and compliance queries.
• Coordinate end-to-end customs and excise compliance across the supply chain with Co-packers.
• Conduct regular internal audits and tax health checks.

Operational Controls & Data Management

• Update internal compliance dashboards and trackers regularly to provide real-time visibility to management.
• Track state-wise notifications related to changes in duty structures and policy modifications, and ensure timely compliance.
• Monitor distillery and maturation operations for adherence to excise norms.

Strategic Planning & Financial Integration

• Build strong internal controls and processes to minimize regulatory risk and prevent penalties.
• SPOC for monitoring monthly cash flow forecasting and share inputs with the treasury team.
• Provide annual budgeting inputs related to licensing fees and compliance-related payouts to the finance and planning teams.
• Provide compliance inputs for new product launches, SKU introductions, packaging changes, and pricing decisions across states. (Hipster / Wine based breezer / etc)
• Proactively advise senior management on potential business impacts due to policy amendments or regulatory shifts.

Additional Responsibility

• This role will also guide and provide advice to internal teams on local state VAT and CST-related queries and litigations.

SKILLS - THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO CREATE YOUR LEGACY

• In-depth knowledge of customs, state excise laws, and the regulatory landscape of the liquor industry
• Proven ability to manage and fulfil government compliance requirements on time while fostering strong relationships with customs and regulatory authorities
• Strong analytical and documentation capabilities, with high attention to detail and a structured, process-driven approach
• Excellent stakeholder management and clear, impactful communication skills
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
• Ability to perform under pressure and consistently meet strict compliance deadlines
• Chartered Accountant with practice in taxation within the alcoholic beverages or FMCG sector
• 8–15 years of experience in regulatory or compliance roles, preferably within the alcoholic beverages or FMCG industry

PERSONAL QUALITIES – SHARE OUR FOUNDER’S PASSION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL FLAIR

• Belonging:  You have a strong capacity to create a culture of ‘Belonging’, where people feel appreciated for who they are, what they do, and who they can become
• Self-Awareness: You have high levels of self-awareness, are reflective and know yourself well, understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses and your impact on others
• People Agility: You bring a deep ability to understand and relate to people and navigate through tough situations to harness and multiply collective performance. Authentic, approachable, empathetic, and inclusive style of communication & collaboration, with the ability to work with diverse, geographically spread teams across multiple time zones.
• Results Agility: You demonstrate consistent delivery of results in first-time situations by inspiring teams, exhibiting a presence that builds confidence in yourself and others. Rigour in execution of hiring activities and able to deliver with brilliance at pace. Integrity and hunger to be part of a winning team - working in close collaboration with BEST towards a common goal
• Mental Agility: You can think critically to penetrate complex problems and expand the possibilities by making fresh connections. You think strategically whilst being execution focused and bring creativity to the challenges, you’re presented with
• Change Agility: You have a deep natural curiosity, desire to experiment and ability to effectively deal with the heat of change. You have a growth and learning mindset: ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience. Tenacity and resilience to work through challenging hiring needs and multiple competing agendas in high demand/high speed situations

At Bacardi we care deeply about finding brilliant talent who can bring the following personal attributes to help elevate our 3Fs: Fearless, Family, Founder culture to the next level.

• Belonging: You have a strong capacity to create a culture of ‘Belonging’, where people feel appreciated for who they are, what they do, and who they can become
• Self-Awareness: You have high levels of self-awareness, are reflective and know yourself well, understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses and your impact on others
• People Agility: You bring a deep ability to understand and relate to people and navigate through tough situations to harness and multiply collective performance
• Results Agility: You demonstrate consistent delivery of results in first-time situations by inspiring teams, exhibiting a presence that builds confidence in yourself and others.
• Mental Agility: You can think critically to penetrate complex problems and expand the possibilities by making fresh connections. You think strategically whilst being execution focused and bring creativity to the challenges you’re presented with
• Change Agility: You have a deep natural curiosity, desire to experiment and ability to effectively deal with the heat of change. You have a growth and learning mindset: ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience

Disclaimer: Bacardi seeks talent from all backgrounds to bring diversity of thought, agility and capability to our organization across the globe. We promote a working environment where all employees are treated and rewarded fairly. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination that adversely affects individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, and any other legally protected aspect of a person's identity. 

U.S. applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws