Import Compliance Specialist (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Slough is urgently hiring an Import Compliance Specialist to ensure adherence to customs regulations while managing complex transactions and compliance audits. The role requires strong technical skills in SAP GTS, knowledge of international trade, and the desire to offer top-notch service to both external customers and internal stakeholders. With a competitive salary, benefits such as 35 days holiday, a pension scheme, and a hybrid working model, this is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate.

Benefits

35 days holiday (pro-rata)

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

Sabbatical and enhanced family leave

10% London Weighting allowance

Qualifications

• Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Grad or equivalent required.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC preferred.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations and trade.

Responsibilities

• Support customs compliance within the Customs & Imports team.
• Utilize SAP GTS for managing customs transactions.
• Conduct quarterly internal audits and prepare performance reports.

Skills

Advisory experience

Regulatory adherence

Detail-oriented

Technical expertise in SAP GTS

Data analysis skills

Education

Degree in International Trade Compliance

MCIEX Grad or equivalent customs qualifications

Tools

SAP GTS

MicroStrategy

Job description

Import Compliance Specialist (Hiring Immediately), Slough

Client:

Lidl

Location:

Slough, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

26.06.2025

Expiry Date:

10.08.2025

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, 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 or Trading standards, and resolving Customs system issues. You will ensure compliance with all HMRC / Border Force regulations and deliver outstanding service to stakeholders.

We offer a hybrid working model, with three or more days in our state-of-the-art office, featuring an on-site gym, restaurant, and other perks, plus up to two days at home for work/life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting customs compliance within the Customs & Imports team to ensure full regulatory adherence.
• Utilizing expert knowledge of SAP GTS and data analytics tools like MicroStrategy to manage complex customs transactions and develop user functions in our foreign trade dashboard.
• Maintaining and developing Webservices and IPAFFs data interfaces with stakeholders and brokers.
• Serving as a subject matter expert on import operations and customs compliance, including import controls, HMRC, Border Force, and Defra.
• Assessing costs and risks related to international trade, including tariffs, duties, taxes, and excise.
• Resolving queries and errors such as CDS errors, VAT, and Duty code issues.
• Ensuring documentation compliance and updating systems as per HMRC and Border Force requirements.
• Conducting quarterly internal audits across compliance areas and preparing reports to improve departmental performance and digital processes.
• Ensuring accurate and timely CDS declarations by brokers for imports/exports.
• Planning and managing import/export projects and ad hoc events.
• Assisting in compiling quarterly internal audits with the Customs team and Tax team.

Requirements

• Degree in International Trade Compliance, MCIEX Grad, or equivalent customs qualifications at an advanced level.
• Advisory and audit experience with HMRC or large consultancies preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international customs regulations, trade agreements, and duty optimization strategies.
• Experience with customs bonded warehousing, Excise, and import/export operations within retail, especially FMCG.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to accurately present data to diverse stakeholders.
• Technical expertise in SAP GTS and MicroStrategy tools.
• Experience with SPS controls and BTOM controls is advantageous.

Benefits

• 35 days holiday (pro-rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Sabbatical and enhanced family leave
• Pension scheme
• Additional 10% London Weighting allowance

Lidl values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Please apply soon, as the vacancy may close early due to high application volume. Once closed, we cannot consider further applications.