Customs Consultant BPE (Business Process Expert)

Lidl; London; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking a Customs Consultant / Business Process Expert to enhance their Customs operations. The role involves ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, managing import/export processes, and utilizing advanced data analytics tools. This position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and various benefits, including generous holiday allowance and on-site amenities.

Benefits

On-site amenities such as a restaurant

Gym

Free parking

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.
• Deep knowledge of international customs regulations and trade agreements.

Responsibilities

• Support customs compliance throughout the Customs & Imports team.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits across compliance areas.
• Plan and manage import/export projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical proficiency

Advisory experience

Education

Degree in International Trade Compliance

Customs qualifications to Advanced level

Tools

SAP GTS

MicroStrategy

Job description

Summary

£49,500* up to £66,000* per annum | 35 days holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a lot in common. We're assertive, adaptable, and always go the extra mile to support our team.

Our customs department has an exciting opportunity for a Customs Consultant / Business Process Expert to join the team. As the Customs Consultant, you'll be responsible for the successful operation of the Customs team systems and audit dashboard, working alongside the Customs Team Manager and Tax colleagues at Lidl GB.

You'll advise and support compliance of import activities and Broker KPI reporting, ensuring full compliance with all HMRC / Border Forces rules and regulations. Over time, you'll further develop and maintain the Customs audit and Excise reporting to provide excellent service externally to customers and internally to stakeholders.

Your duties will cover each step of the Import and Export process, including tracking shipments affected by Border Force, Trading Standards, PHA holds, and resolving Custom system issues.

You will ensure full compliance with all HMRC / Border Force rules and regulations and deliver outstanding service to all stakeholders.

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model, combining three or more days in our state-of-the-art office—featuring amenities like an on-site gym and restaurant—and up to two days working from home to support work/life balance.

What you'll do

• Support customs compliance throughout the Customs & Imports team to ensure operations meet all Customs regulations.
• Utilize expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools such as MicroStrategy to understand complex system requirements and build user functions in our foreign trade dashboard.
• Maintain and develop Webservices and IPAFFs data interfaces with external stakeholders and brokers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on import operations and customs compliance, including import controls, HMRC, Border Force, and Defra.
• Assess costs and risks related to international trade, including tariffs, duties, taxes, and excise costs.
• Proactively resolve queries and problems such as CDS errors, VAT code, and duty code errors.
• Ensure all documentation complies with updates from HMRC and Border Force, whether system-based or manual.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits across compliance areas, including Import/Export entries, Excise, CDS, SCDP, and AEO audits.
• Prepare audit reports and recommend digital improvements to enhance profitability, collaborating with senior management as needed.
• Ensure brokers complete accurate and timely CDS declarations for imports and exports.
• Plan and manage import/export projects and ad hoc events as they arise.
• Assist in compiling quarterly internal audits covering all compliance areas.

What you'll need

• Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Grad, customs qualifications to Advanced level, or equivalent.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.
• Deep knowledge of international customs regulations, trade agreements, and duty optimization strategies.
• Experience with customs bonded warehousing, Excise, compliance, and import/export operations within the retail (FMCG) industry.
• Attention to detail for accurate data presentation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical proficiency in SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools.
• Experience with SPS controls and BTOM controls is advantageous.

What you'll receive

We offer competitive compensation starting from £49,500*, with the potential to earn up to £66,000* depending on experience, along with 35 days holiday (pro rata). We also provide various benefits, including:

• On-site amenities such as a restaurant, gym, and free parking (including electric charging points).
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Visit our benefits page for more details. *Includes a 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment.