Customs Consultant BPE (Business Process Expert) Job Details | Lidl

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

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking a Customs Consultant to ensure compliance with customs regulations and manage import/export processes. The role offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, allowing for a balanced work/life environment. Join a diverse team that values individuality and provides extensive training and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

35 days holiday

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

On-site gym

Employee Assistance Programme

On-site Car Parking

Qualifications

• Degree in International trade compliance or equivalent required.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies desirable.
• Highly knowledgeable of international customs regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Customs regulations.
• Manage import/export projects and resolve customs-related issues.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits across all compliance areas.

Skills

Advisory experience

Audit experience

Attention to detail

Knowledge of customs regulations

Education

Degree in International trade compliance

MCIEX Grad

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 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, oversee Broker KPI reporting, and ensure 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 externally to customers and internally to stakeholders.

Your duties will include managing each step of the Import and Export process, tracking shipments affected by Border Force, Trading standards, PHA holds, and addressing Customs system issues.

You’ll ensure full compliance with all HMRC / Border Force 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 an on-site gym, restaurant, and other perks—with up to two days working from home, supporting your work/life balance.

What you'll do

• Support customs compliance within the Customs & Imports team to ensure operations meet all Customs regulations.
• Utilize expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools like 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 all 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 issues such as CDS errors, VAT code, and Duty code errors.
• Ensure documentation compliance and stay updated with changes from HMRC and Border Force in systems and manual formats.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits across 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 profitability, working closely with senior management.
• Ensure Brokers complete accurate and timely CDS declarations and supplementary declarations on the Customs CDS system.
• Plan and project manage import/export projects and ad hoc events.
• Assist in compiling quarterly internal audits on compliance, import/export entries, and audits.

What you'll need

• Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Graduate, customs qualifications at an advanced level, or equivalent.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of international customs regulations, trade agreements, and duty optimization strategies.
• Experience with customs bonded warehousing, Excise, compliance, and import/export operations, especially within FMCG retail industry.
• Attention to detail for accurate data presentation to Tax partners, SAO, Board members, and HMRC.
• Technical proficiency 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* (depending on experience), with 35 days’ holiday (pro rata). We provide extensive training and growth opportunities, along with benefits such as:

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

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