Customs Consultant BPE (Business Process Expert)

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

Job summary

Join Lidl as a Customs Consultant in London, where you'll support compliance within the Customs team, managing systems and audit functions. Benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary of £49,500 to £66,000, and plentiful opportunities for training and career progression in a diverse environment.

Benefits

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

35 days holiday (pro rata)

On-site gym

Electric vehicle charging

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Highly knowledgeable of international customs regulations and trade agreements.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.
• Detail-oriented approach necessary for document preparation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all HMRC/Border Force rules and regulations.
• Maintain and develop customs audit and Excise reporting.
• Track shipments affected by Border Force and address system issues.

Skills

Knowledge of customs regulations

Data analytics

Problem solving

Education

Degree in International Trade Compliance

MCIEX Grad or customs qualifications to Advanced level

Tools

SAP GTS

MicroStrategy

Job description

£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.

You’ll be advising and supporting compliance of import activities and Broker KPI reporting, ensuring full compliance with all HMRC / Border Forces rules and regulations. Over time, you’ll develop and maintain the Customs audit and Excise reporting to provide excellent service externally to customers and internally to all 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 addressing any Customs system issues.

You’ll ensure full compliance with all HMRC / Border Force rules and regulations and provide outstanding service to all stakeholders. Lidl offers a hybrid working model, allowing you to spend three or more days in our state-of-the-art office with amenities like an on-site gym and restaurant, and up to two days working from home to support work/life balance.

• Your Role: Supporting customs compliance throughout the Customs & Imports team to ensure full compliance with all Customs regulations. You’ll need expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools such as MicroStrategy, understanding complex system requirements for daily customs transactions to build and deliver user functions in our foreign trade dashboard. Maintain and develop Webservices and IPAFFs data interfaces with external stakeholders and brokers. Be the subject matter expert for all import operations and customs compliance matters, including assessing costs and risks linked to international trade operations, such as tariffs, duties, taxes, and excise costs. Proactively resolve queries/problems like CDS errors, VAT codes, and Duty code errors. Ensure full documentation compliance and conduct quarterly internal audits across all compliance areas, including Import/Export entries, Excise reviews, Monthly CDS audits, SCDP audits, and AEO audits. Prepare audit reports and suggest digital improvements to enhance profit margins, working closely with senior management. Ensure brokers complete accurate and timely CDS declarations for all imports/exports, and plan/manage import/export projects and ad hoc events.

• Your Profile: Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Grad, or customs qualifications to Advanced level or equivalent. Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable. Highly knowledgeable of international customs regulations, trade agreements, and duty optimization strategies. Experience with customs bonded warehousing, Excise, customs compliance, and import/export operations within the retail industry, especially FMCG, is essential. An detail-oriented approach is necessary for accurate data presentation to internal tax partners, SAO, Board members, and HMRC, requiring high standards of document preparation. Technical knowledge of SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools is required. Previous experience with SPS controls and/or BTOM controls would be advantageous.

Our Offer: This isn’t just about getting by; it’s about getting what you deserve. Working at Lidl is rewarding with extensive training and career progression opportunities. The salary starts from £49,500* with potential earnings up to £66,000* (depending on experience) and 35 days’ holiday (pro rata). We also offer benefits like an on-site gym, restaurant, and electric vehicle charging, along with an Employee Assistance Programme. Visit our benefits page for more details. *Includes 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Employment is conditional upon satisfactory references and, if requested, a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Due to high application volumes, we may close the vacancy early to manage application levels and ensure a positive candidate experience. Please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.