Customs Consultant BPE (Business Process Expert) SAP Specialist 1 - Head Office

LIDL; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery retailer in Birmingham is seeking a Customs Consultant to oversee customs compliance and operations. You will use your expertise in SAP GTS and data analytics while collaborating with the Customs team to enhance operational efficiency. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and benefits, including 35 days of holiday and a pension scheme.

Benefits

35 days holiday

10% in-store discount

Sabbatical

Enhanced family leave

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• High level of detailed technical knowledge of SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools.
• Experience in customs compliance is useful.
• Very good knowledge of German (written and spoken) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with customs regulations throughout the Customs & Imports team.
• Utilize expertise to build user functions in the foreign trade dashboard.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits and prepare audit reports.

Skills

Expert knowledge of SAP GTS

Data analytics tools (e.g., MicroStrategy)

Project management skills

Knowledge of international customs regulations

Detail-oriented analytical skills

Education

Degree in International Trade compliance or equivalent

Degree in business studies

Tools

SAP GTS

MicroStrategy

Job description

Overview

Summary: £49,500 with potential to reach up to £66,000 per annum; 35 days holiday (pro rata); 10% in-store discount; Pension scheme. Lidl values diversity and inclusion and offers a hybrid working model. The Customs department is seeking a Customs Consultant / Business process expert to join the team, working with the Schwarz group solutions team, Customs Team Manager and Tax colleagues at Lidl GB.

As the Customs Consultant, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Customs team systems and audit dashboard, advising and supporting compliance of import supply chain activities and broker KPI reporting, and ensuring full compliance with HMRC / Border rules and regulations. You will work with the Schwarz team to design and deliver on key system projects to support Lidl UK’s growth. Lidl offers a hybrid working model with three days or more in the office and up to two days at home.

What you'll do

• Support customs compliance throughout the Customs & Imports team to ensure operation is fully compliant with all customs regulations.
• Utilise expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools (e.g., MicroStrategy) to understand complex system requirements for daily customs transactions and build/deliver user functions in the foreign trade dashboard.
• Maintain and develop Webservices and IPAFFs data interfaces with external stakeholders and brokers.
• Act as subject matter expert for all import operations and customs compliance matters related to import controls, HMRC, Border Force and Defra.
• Assess costs and risks linked to international trade operations (tariffs, duties, taxes, excise).
• Proactively resolve related queries and problems (e.g., CDS errors, VAT code, Duty code errors).
• Ensure full documentation compliance and implement HMRC/Border Force updates in systems or manual formats.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits across compliance areas (Import/Export entries, Excise reviews, Monthly CDS audits, SCDP audits & AEO audits). Prepare audit reports and suggest digital improvements to enhance profit margins; collaborate with senior management as required.
• Ensure brokers complete accurate and timely CDS declarations and supplementary declarations in the Customs CDS system for correct imports/exports declarations.
• Plan and project manage import/export projects and ad hoc events as they arise.
• Assist the Customs team manager/Tax team in compiling Quarterly internal audits across compliance areas (Import/Export entries, Excise audits, CSDP audits & AEO audits).

What you'll need

• Degree in International Trade compliance / MCIEX Grad / customs qualifications at Advanced level or equivalent; or Degree in business studies.
• High level of detailed technical knowledge of SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools; ability to design and build functions.
• Good project management skills in supply chain and logistics; FMCG experience preferred.
• Audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies is desirable.
• Knowledge of international customs regulations, trade agreements, and strategies for optimising duties; experience in Excise and customs compliance is useful.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and conceptual skills for accurate data presentation.
• Very good knowledge of German (written and spoken) desirable.

What you'll receive

• 35 days holiday (pro rata).
• 10% in-store discount.
• Sabbatical.
• Enhanced family leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Additional benefits and perks.
• Includes an additional 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. Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we may close vacancies earlier than advertised to manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy closes, we are unable to consider further applications.