Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA

Willis Global; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

WFH flexibility

Direct visibility to Head of Dept.

Immediate start

Job summary

Willis Global is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA for a global biotechnology client based near Maidenhead. The role focuses on export controls and regulatory adherence across the EMEA region, with real ownership and direct visibility to the Head of Department.

The position offers WFH flexibility and a strong salary range (£60K–£68K DOE) for qualified specialists ready to make an impact in a growing compliance function.

Qualifications

• Trade compliance / export control experience in pharmaceutical industry or other regulated environments.
• Proven experience in managing complex trade / export control operations.
• Strong knowledge of Export control regulations.
• Excellent 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.

Responsibilities

• Implementing company Global Trade Compliance policies, guidelines, develop and deploy regional and local procedures.
• Overseeing day-to-day EMEA export operations to ensure compliance with 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.

Skills

Export Controls

Trade Compliance

Pharma Regulation

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:

• Specialist role offering real ownership: focused on Export Control
• Standalone position with direct visibility and influence, reporting straight to the Head of Department
• WFH flexibility
• Strong salary potential: £60K–£68K 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 export operations to ensure compliance with 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.

To be Considered:

• Trade compliance / export control experience in pharmaceutical industry or other highly regulated, multi-location environments such as Aerospace, Healthcare, FMCG
• Proven experience in managing complex trade / export control operations
• Strong knowledge of Export control regulations
• 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