Import/ Export Specialist

BAE Systems.; Rochester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as an Import/Export Specialist, where you'll play a pivotal role in navigating complex trade regulations and customs compliance. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with internal teams and external partners, ensuring smooth trade governance and efficient data handling. With a focus on continuous improvement, you'll help optimize processes while enjoying a range of benefits, including flexible working arrangements and a competitive pension scheme. Be a part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and empowers you to reach your full potential.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Company contributed Share Incentive Plan

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Cycle2work

Employee discounts

Annual incentive eligibility

Qualifications

• Experience in UK imports/exports and customs compliance.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support the Import & Export team with trade regulations.
• Manage customs procedures and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders and internal stakeholders.

Skills

UK imports/exports experience

Customs rules knowledge

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job title: Import/ Export Specialist

Location: Rochester - We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £32,500 - £37,500

What you’ll be doing:

• Support Import & Export team with UK, EU, and international trade regulations (HMRC, DBT)
• Manage customs procedures including IPR, OPR, and other special requirements
• Review the import and export data for accuracy and proper customs reporting
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and internal stakeholders
• Reconcile customs data, VAT exemption, and IPR status
• Assist in the reconciliation of customs data, VAT exemption tracking, and IPR monitoring
• Maintain import/export data in the company systems (ERP & other reporting tools)
• Verify customs documentation for tariffs, valuation, and other compliance & business-related functions
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives within the Import & Export team, focusing on compliance efficiency and process optimisation
• Collaborate with internal teams on customs systems to improve data handling & compliance
• Review & support monthly submission to HMRC and prepare the VAT returns etcetera

Your skills and experiences:

Essential:

• Experience in UK imports/exports and knowledge of customs rules, IPR, OPR, and trade compliance
• Understanding of customs documentation and reporting requirements, including CDS declarations and tariff classification
• Good understanding of the Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ERP systems
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with attention to compliance and data accuracy

Desirable:

• Awareness of ITAR and EAR trade controls
• Familiarity with AEO certification, Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA), and UK trade compliance policies
• Familiarity with Carnet and other customs, warehousing formalities
• Experience in the aerospace, defence, or engineering sector

Benefits:

You’ll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a Company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You’ll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Logistics team:

As an Import and Export Specialist at BAE Systems Rochester, you will play a key role and will work closely with internal teams, freight partners, and regulatory bodies to support trade governance, customs reporting, and ERP system integration.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks

Closing Date: 15th May 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.