Customs and Trade Compliance Specialist

Unipart Manufacturing; Coventry; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Bonus

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Cycle to work

Pension

33 days holiday

Job summary

Unipart Manufacturing is launching a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing project in Coventry and seeks a technical Customs and Trade Compliance Specialist. You will manage day-to-day import/export operations, strategic export licensing, and HMRC special procedures, reporting to the Senior Compliance Manager and acting as the SME for IPR and CDS clearances.

You will ensure zero-delay supply chain throughput by adhering to VAT notices and end-user undertakings while embedding Unipart Way tools

Qualifications

• Practical trade compliance experience in manufacturing or logistics.
• Operational knowledge of Inward Processing Relief (IPR) administration and HMRC rules.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end import/export clearance processes, ensuring accuracy against invoices and HS classifications.
• Lead IPR governance, maintain stock records, and submit Bills of Discharge to HMRC within deadlines.
• Manage strategic export licensing (SIELs, OGELs) in compliance with ECJU rules.

Skills

Trade compliance

IPR administration

CDS/UK licensing

Export controls

Tools

CDS (Customs Declaration Service)

SPIRE/LITE

Job description

Unipart Manufacturing is launching a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing project in Coventry, combining advanced electrification assembly with complex injection moulding inputs. We are seeking a technical Customs and Trade Compliance Specialist to manage day-to-day import/export operations, strategic export licensing, and HMRC special procedures. Reporting to the Senior Compliance Manager, you will serve as the operational subject matter expert for Inward Processing Relief (IPR), CDS clearances, and export controls to guarantee zero-delay supply chain throughput.

Key Responsibilities

• Customs Operations and Auditing - Manage end-to-end import/export clearance processes via CDS, auditing declarations (>98% accuracy KPI) against commercial invoices, packing lists, and HS classification databases
• Special Procedures and IPR Governance - Act as operational lead for Inward Processing Relief (IPR) authorisations, maintaining meticulous stock records and submitting Bills of Discharge (BOD) to HMRC within statutory deadlines
• Export Controls and Licensing - Manage Strategic Export Licensing requirements (SIELs, OGELs) in full compliance with ECJU regulations, military/dual-use classifications, and end-user undertakings
• VAT Compliance and Audit Readiness - Ensure strict adherence to HMRC VAT Notice 703 by securing and validating official Proof of Export (PoE) documentation within zero-rating timeframes
• Culture and Continuous Improvement - Embed Unipart Way tools, standard work, and structured audit routines across all trade compliance, shipping, and logistics workflows

Required Skills & Experience

• Trade Compliance Expertise - Practical experience in international trade, customs clearance, or trade compliance within a manufacturing or logistics environment
• Special Procedures Mastery - Deep operational knowledge of Inward Processing Relief (IPR) administration, BOD preparation, and HMRC VAT Notice 703 rules
• Systems and Portals - Hands-on experience operating CDS (Customs Declaration Service) and UK export licensing portals (SPIRE/LITE)
• Export Licensing Knowledge - Strong operational grasp of UK export controls, dual-use/military tariff classifications, SIELs, and OGELs

About Unipart

We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers' supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it's your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you 'you' - it is your talent and potential that we value most. Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.

£45,000 plus car/car allowance, plus 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme