Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA

Willis Global; Maidenhead; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biotechnology company is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA to enhance their import/export compliance program. Located in Maidenhead, the role offers a hybrid working model with a salary potential ranging from £50K to £70K, depending on experience. Responsibilities include overseeing compliance operations, managing customs brokers, and supporting audits. Candidates should have expertise in customs regulations and experience with SAP GTS, coupled with strong organizational and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex Customs and trade operations.
• Proven track record in compliance with customs regulations.
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Implement company Global Trade Compliance policies and procedures.
• Oversee day-to-day EMEA import and export operations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting the business.
• Develop and manage import/export data and monthly reports.
• Support government audits and Customs certifications.

Skills

Experience in pharmaceutical industry

Knowledge of Customs and Export controls regulations

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organization and prioritization skills

Self-motivated and goal oriented

Experience in SAP GTS System

Ability to influence senior leaders

Tools

SAP GTS

Job description

Our client, a global biotechnology company that researches, develops, manufactures, and markets biotherapies and vaccines to treat serious medical conditions are looking for a Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA to join their team and offices in the Maidenhead, Berkshire area.

Main Purpose of the Role

As the Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA within Global Trade Compliance Team, you will play a pivotal role in driving the execution and continuous enhancement of the companies world-class import and export compliance program across the EMEA region.

On Offer

• Two specialist roles offering real ownership: one focused on Export Control, one focused on Customs Compliance & Classification
• Standalone positions with direct visibility and influence, reporting straight to the Head of Department
• Hybrid balance with structure: work 3 days per week on‑site in Maidenhead, with flexibility as long as one day is a Monday or Friday
• Strong salary potential: £50K–£70K DOE, with the upper range reserved for high‑calibre specialists
• Immediate start for candidates ready to step into a pivotal compliance function
• Opportunity to shape processes in a growing, compliance‑focused environment

Duties and Responsibilities of the Trade Compliance Specialist

• Implementing company Global Trade Compliance policies, guidelines, develop and deploy regional and local procedures.
• Overseeing day-to-day EMEA import and export operations to ensure compliance with customs regulations, export controls, free trade agreements, and pharmaceutical-specific government requirements.
• Monitoring regional key industry developments, legislative and regulatory changes affecting company businesses, assessing impact, and translate into processes and controls.
• Developing and managing import/export data, duty spend and savings metric monthly reports.
• Managing customs brokers and other outsourcing vendors in the region, including KPIs, broker SOPs, adherence to contract obligations, performance, reporting of export and import data as per company requirements, POAs.
• Leading transition and implementation to new selected brokers.
• Supporting origin and preference determination, including LTSD process, customs value, duties and VAT for imports and duty program utilization as per company Policies.
• Support non-commercial shipments import and export process, including HS classification, customs valuations determination and license/permit determination/application/application etc.
• Supporting government audits and Customs certifications, Internal Corporate audits.
• Identifying duty and VAT cross-border mitigation opportunities, analysing cost benefits, and leading the implementation of duty savings initiatives.
• Managing SAP GTS and master data activities including denied party screening, trade embargo blocks, and other GTS-related upgrades and projects.
• Experience in pharmaceutical industry or other highly regulated, multi-location environments such as Aerospace, Healthcare, FMCG
• Experience in SAP GTS System
• Proven experience in managing complex Customs and trade operations
• Experience with special Customs programs (inc. FTAs, Value Reconciliation, IPR, OPR, Tariff Suspensions, bonded Warehouse etc.)
• Strong knowledge of Customs and Export controls regulations, HS and Explanatory Notes, binding rulings, and Customs Valuation rules, as well as a thorough knowledge of entry processing, international freight industry standards and practices, and INCOTERMS.
• Excellent skills in organization, prioritization, and negotiation; able to perform under pressure
• Self-motivated, goal oriented, and able to work independently in delivering results
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decisions and priorities
• Excellent communication skills and able to influence and challenge senior leaders and peer groups

For more details, please contact Willis Global – a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply chain & Logistics industry