Customs Compliance Specialist

Leonardo; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Aerospace and Defence seeks a Customs Compliance Specialist in Bristol. This dynamic role requires expertise in UK customs and compliance, advising project teams, and conducting audits. Enjoy hybrid working, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive workplace.

Benefits

Generous leave with up to 12 flexi-days

Pension scheme with 15% employer contribution

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for eligible employees

Access to 4,000+ online courses

Referral programme with financial rewards

Flexible benefits including private healthcare

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experienced UK Customs practitioner with knowledge of import/export requirements.
• Good knowledge of Customs Special Procedures including AEO.
• Experience in Customs Valuation, Tariff Classification, and Origin of goods.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on customs compliance and procedures.
• Maintain records in line with HMRC and internal requirements.
• Manage customs special procedures and oversee brokers' customs clearances.

Skills

Knowledge of UK import/export requirements

Interpersonal/Influencing Skills

Job description

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Are you a Customs Compliance professional, with experience in UK customs, knowledge of UK import/export requirements and Customs special procedures and are looking for a new career path in an exciting and dynamic company that has so much to offer? If this sounds like you then keep reading.

You will be part of a team, which provides a business support service, including advice and guidance, to Leonardo's Electronics and Cyber business operations and functions to ensure the business remains compliant with UK and other relevant trade control laws and regulations.

As a Customs Compliance Specialist you will:

• Provide expert advice to project teams and stakeholders on customs compliance and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records in line with HMRC, DBT, and internal requirements.
• Manage and maintain customs special procedures (e.g., IP, OP, TA, CW, AEO), ensuring they are updated and renewed as needed.
• Oversee Brokers customs clearances, ensuring timely and accurate HMRC declarations.
• Complete and submit all required customs reports, including bills of discharge.
• Conduct compliance checks across key systems (Internal systems, SAP, GTS, CAT 360), addressing any discrepancies.
• Analyse MSS data to support risk assessments and ensure effective use of customs regimes.
• Review third-party import/export activity to ensure alignment with Leonardo’s customs instructions.
• Manage re-export processes to ensure any financial liabilities are discharged correctly.
• Support the correct application of the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) vs Deferment Account regime in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist in preparation for internal and external audits related to UK customs.
• Advise on import strategies for company-owned, customer-owned, and repair materials.
• Ensure customs clearance instructions are provided to brokers in a timely manner.
• Monitor MRNs to confirm accuracy of imported goods and request amendments if needed.
• Generate internal reports and ensure compliance with all record-keeping regulations.
• Support performance reviews and KPI tracking for logistics/brokers/freight providers.
• Contribute to training initiatives for logistics partners to ensure process adherence.

This is a hybrid working role, you will need to attend our Yeovil site 1-2 times a week. There may also be a requirement for some national travel as well.

What you’ll bring

• Experienced UK Customs practitioner with detailed knowledge of UK import and exports requirements
• Good knowledge of Customs Special Procedures including AEO
• Experience of Customs Valuation, Tariff Classification and Origin of goods
• Strong interpersonal/influencing skills to support decision-making based on credible knowledge of International Trade.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.