Customs Consultant BPE (Business Process Expert) (Hiring Immediately)

ZipRecruiter; Elmbridge; 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 ensure compliance with customs regulations. The role involves managing customs operations, advising on import activities, and conducting audits. This position offers a hybrid working model with competitive compensation and various benefits, including on-site amenities and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

35 days holiday (pro rata)

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

On-site amenities such as a gym and restaurant

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Degree in International Trade Compliance or equivalent required.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Attention to detail

Technical expertise

Education

Degree in International Trade Compliance

customs qualifications at an advanced level

Tools

SAP GTS

MicroStrategy

Job description

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 whole 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 Force rules and regulations. Over time, you’ll develop and maintain the Customs audit and Excise reporting to provide excellent service both externally and internally.

Your duties will encompass all steps 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 compliance with all relevant regulations and provide outstanding service to stakeholders.

We offer a hybrid working model with 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

1. Support customs compliance within the Customs & Imports team to ensure full regulatory adherence.
2. Utilize expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools such as MicroStrategy to manage complex system requirements for customs transactions and develop user functions in our foreign trade dashboard.
3. Maintain and develop Webservices and IPAFFs data interfaces with external stakeholders and brokers.
4. Serve as a subject matter expert on all import operations and customs compliance issues related to import controls, HMRC, Border Force, and Defra.
5. Assess costs and risks associated with international trade, including tariffs, duties, taxes, and excise.
6. Proactively resolve queries and issues such as CDS errors, VAT, and duty code errors.
7. Ensure all documentation complies with updates from HMRC and Border Force, maintaining system and manual records.
8. Conduct quarterly internal audits across compliance areas including Import/Export entries, Excise reviews, CDS audits, SCDP audits, and AEO audits.
9. Prepare audit reports and suggest digital improvements to enhance profitability, working closely with senior management.
10. Ensure brokers complete accurate and timely CDS declarations and supplementary declarations.
11. Plan and manage import/export projects and ad hoc events.
12. Assist in compiling quarterly internal audits on compliance areas.

What you'll need

• Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Grad, customs qualifications at an 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 optimisation strategies.
• Experience with customs bonded warehousing, excise, compliance, and import/export operations, especially within the retail industry (FMCG).
• Attention to detail for accurate data presentation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical expertise in SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools.
• Experience with SPS controls and BTOM controls is advantageous.

What you'll receive

This role offers competitive compensation starting from £49,500* up to £66,000*, along with 35 days’ holiday (pro rata), and additional benefits including:

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

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