Assistant Tax Manager - Customs/Exports

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Debenhams Group is seeking a Customs Compliance Manager to ensure compliance with international regulations and optimize duty costs. This role involves working closely with suppliers, managing customs documentation, and driving improvements within the customs function. Ideal candidates will have experience in logistics, a strong understanding of customs regulations, and the ability to handle complex trade-related issues. Be part of a dynamic team at a leading fashion retail group focused on innovation and excellence.

Benefits

Highly competitive bonus scheme

Company pension and share schemes

Private medical cover and life assurance

Access to on-site gym and fitness classes

40% discount across brands

Comprehensive wellbeing package

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

On-site canteen with daily meals

Free season ticket loan

Dog-friendly offices

Qualifications

• Previous experience in customs support and international logistics.
• Familiarity with shipping documents and customs compliance.
• Detail-oriented mindset for accurate data entry.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance with customs duty.
• Minimize duty expenses and optimize international trade processes.
• Conduct regular audits and compliance reviews.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Experience in international logistics

Understanding of global trade regulations

Job description

About us

At Debenhams Group, we don’t stand still. We lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to get back to our very best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

Your Team

Reporting to the Group Customs Manager, you will manage an area providing customs support excellence to all aspects of Debenhams group’s supply chain, from B&M guidance & the customs support for delivery of international customer parcels & returns as well as product & documentation compliance to our wholesale partners.

The department has successfully managed the implementation of a customs bonded warehouse operation at our Burnley DC and will soon embark on a similar project for the Sheffield facility.

The Role

This newly created role, will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with international customs regulations and optimising duty costs. This role involves collaborating with suppliers to ensure accurate information for customs declarations whilst educating them on customs requirements and changes. You'll handle international customs-related issues, disputes, and investigations as well as developing strategies to resolve trade-related challenges.

You must have a good understanding of global trade regulations and tariff classifications and be able to provide insights on market access and regulatory implications whilst also identifying opportunities for process enhancement and trade process automation.

What you'll be doing

With support from the Group Customs Manager you will collaborate with various teams to:

• Ensure accurate documentation.
• Ensure Customs duty compliance across the group
• Minimise duty expenses.
• Take ownership of the export documentation process in conjunction with wholesale partners and international customs requirements
• Contribute to the development of international trade strategies and policies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the customs and global trade function
• Audit and ensure compliance of relevant import/export customs procedures as well as conducting regular periodic reviews of the procedures to ensure that they are current and are within applicable legal requirements
• Support Carrier and Freight Forwarder compliance queries and resolving these in a timely manner
• Maintaining SOP’s for the function in line with HMRC requirements.
• Facilitate the smooth movement of goods across borders.
• Identify opportunities to streamline customs procedures, automate tasks, and enhance efficiency.
• Stay informed about emerging customs and trade regulations that could impact the business.
• Prepare for and support customs audits, inspections, and verifications as needed.
  

What we're looking for

• Previous experience of supporting international logistics.
• Familiar with Shipping documents such as Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists and supporting customs compliance and duty optimisation in an import/export operation.
• Basic understanding of global customs regulations, trade agreements, optimisation strategies, Incoterms and international logistics.
• Analytical skills to interpret tariff schedules, trade agreements and customs valuation methods.
• Detail-oriented mindset for accurate data entry and documentation preparation.
• Communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customs authorities.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in customs declarations and compliance documentation.

Working with us

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!

We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.

What happens next

1. If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with a member of our Talent Team (Please note we won't be reviewing applications until w/c 2nd June but will do our best to get back to you asap after that date)
2. If successful, you’ll then meet with the Line Manager to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team
3. Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership and/or present a task/project

Why join us

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let’s lead the change together.

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance

• Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes

• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle

• Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression

• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily

• Free season ticket loan

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