Senior Customs Consultant

Lidl GB; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Barista Bar

Restaurant

Free onsite gym

On-site Car Parking with EV charging

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

10% in-store discount card

Job summary

Lidl GB is seeking a Senior Customs Consultant to lead the Customs team and ensure compliant, cost-efficient, just-in-time imports/exports. The role reports to the Head of Customs and collaborates with Tax and Finance, delivering end-to-end trade oversight.

You will drive border compliance, oversee trade journeys, and resolve regulatory issues while aligning with HMRC standards. Hybrid working with on-site facilities and home days.

Qualifications

• Experience advising and auditing in HMRC or large consultancies.
• Deep knowledge of customs clearance processes and logistics optimisation.
• Strong grasp of AEO, HMRC and Border Force requirements.
• Ability to design robust import/export frameworks and policies.
• Experience with trade programmes and authorisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end customs compliance strategies to meet regulatory requirements and efficiency.
• Act as SME and escalation point for complex trade queries (Origin, Valuation, Tariff).
• Monitor geopolitical trade shifts, FTAs, and regulatory updates to optimise processes.
• Design and audit internal customs compliance frameworks aligned with HMRC standards.
• Manage special trade programmes and permissions updates.
• Collaborate with SAP GTS teams for regulatory guidance and system compliance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver practical trade guidance for commercial objectives.
• Support internal audits including quarterly import/export reviews (Excise, CSDP, AEO).
• Develop and maintain import/export policies and procedures.

Skills

End-to-end customs compliance

Regulatory interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Trade policy analysis

Audit and advisory experience

Education

Degree in International Trade Compliance or Law

CILT Level 6

Tools

SAP GTS

Customs software

Job description

£61*,600 - £88*,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 Senior Customs Consultant to join our dynamic Customs department. In this pivotal role, you will lead the successful operation of the Customs team, collaborating closely with the Customs Team Manager, Tax colleagues, and our broader Finance Department at Lidl GB.

Summary £61*,600 - £88*,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 Senior Customs Consultant to join our dynamic Customs department. In this pivotal role, you will lead the successful operation of the Customs team, collaborating closely with the Customs Team Manager, Tax colleagues, and our broader Finance Department at Lidl GB. As the subject matter expert and escalation lead, you will report to the Head of Customs, ensuring our high-volume, just-in-time imports and exports are compliant, cost-effective, and efficient. You will oversee the end-to-end trade journey, resolving border delays and regulatory issues, while maintaining strict adherence to HMRC and Border Force standards. At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.

What you'll do

• Lead end-to-end customs compliance strategies to ensure full adherence to all regulatory requirements and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary escalation point for complex trade queries, including Rules of Origin, Valuation, and Tariff Classification.
• Proactively monitor and analyse geopolitical trade shifts, FTAs, and legislative updates (e.g., UK-EU TCA, CDS) to optimise business processes.
• Design, implement, and audit robust internal customs compliance frameworks aligned with AEO criteria and HMRC standards.
• Oversee the management of special trade programmes, including new authorisations and updates to existing permissions.
• Partner with SAP GTS teams to provide expert regulatory guidance and ensure system-wide compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver practical trade guidance that supports commercial objectives.
• Assist with internal audits, including quarterly reviews of import/export entries, Excise, CSDP, and AEO compliance.
• Support the development and maintenance of comprehensive import/export policies, procedures, and internal organisational guidelines.
• Manage large-scale import/export projects and lead process design to optimise the logistics chain and ensure timely customs procedures.

What you'll need

• Hold a CILT Level 6, MCIEX Grad, or a Degree in International Trade Compliance or Law.
• Proven experience in advisory and audit roles, specifically with HMRC or large consultancies.
• Deep expertise in operational customs clearance, including process design and logistics optimisation.
• Thorough understanding of customs and excise regulations, including AEO, HMRC, and Border Force requirements.
• Demonstrated background in customs bonded warehousing, duty optimisation, and import/export operations within the retail or FMCG sector.
• Extensive experience using customs software and electronic reporting systems.
• Working knowledge of SPS and/or BTOM controls is highly advantageous.
• Ability to design and maintain robust import/export frameworks and organisational policies.
• Capability to interpret complex trade legislation to drive business process improvements.
• A proactive approach to partnering with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to achieve compliance goals.

What you'll receive

This isn't getting by. This is getting what you deserve. Working at Lidl is rewarding, in every sense, because we give you the extensive training to succeed in your role and plenty of opportunities to progress your career here.

Benefits

We're proud to offer a competitive salary starting from £61,600 - £88,000 depending on experience) plus company car allowance and 35 days’ holiday per year (pro rata). We also recognise that different people value different benefits, based on different lifestyles and needs, which is why we offer arrange of additional benefits including but not limited to:

• Barista Bar, restaurant, and free onsite gym
• On-site Car Parking (including electric charging in each space)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 10% in-store discount card

• includes 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.

Please note your employment is conditional upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory references and if requested by the Company, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.