We are delighted to be partnering with a globally recognised premium consumer brand as they continue an exciting transformation across their EMEA Supply Chain function.
This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced Customs & Trade Compliance professional to take ownership of Trade Compliance across the EMEA region, supporting a rapidly expanding international operation. With significant investment into the regional supply chain, new market launches and a redesigned European distribution network, this is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future customs and compliance strategy across multiple international markets.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Logistics Manager EMEA, you'll become the regional subject matter expert for Customs & Trade Compliance, partnering with Supply Chain, Production Planning, Finance, Legal and external customs partners to ensure goods move compliantly and efficiently across Europe and wider EMEA markets. You'll be responsible for driving customs compliance whilst identifying opportunities to optimise duty spend, improve customs processes and support the implementation of new customs procedures as the business continues to scale.
This role offers a genuine opportunity to influence strategy, build capability and play a key part in a broader regional transformation.
Key Responsibilities for the position of Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist -
- Lead Customs & Trade Compliance activities across the EMEA region.
- Manage customs brokers and oversee import and export operations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Develop and implement duty optimisation strategies, leveraging Free Trade Agreements, Rules of Origin and other customs regimes.
- Drive initiatives around AEO, bonded warehousing, Returned Goods Relief (RGR), Inward & Outward Processing and other special customs procedures.
- Own tariff classification governance, HS code management and customs classification strategy across the product portfolio.
- Support Product Compliance activities, including evolving EPR and Digital Product Passport requirements across Europe.
- Partner closely with internal stakeholders across Supply Chain, Finance, Legal and Planning, alongside external customs advisors and authorities.
- Work collaboratively with global teams to ensure consistency in customs strategy and regulatory compliance across international markets.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, cost reduction and risk mitigation across customs operations.
Experience we are seeking for the position of Senior Customs & Trade Compliance Specialist -
We're looking for someone who combines strong technical Customs & Trade Compliance expertise with a commercial mindset and the ability to influence across a complex international business.
You'll ideally bring:
- 7+ years' experience within Customs & Trade Compliance across international markets.
- Experience within Fashion, Footwear or a comparable consumer goods environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK and EU Customs legislation, including wider EMEA import/export operations.
- Proven experience delivering duty optimisation initiatives through Free Trade Agreements and Rules of Origin.
- Hands-on experience with customs procedures including Bonded Warehousing, AEO, Inward Processing, Outward Processing and Returned Goods Relief.
- Strong tariff classification and HS code expertise.
- Experience working with customs brokers and external advisory partners.
- Exposure to Product Compliance (EPR, Digital Product Passport or similar) would be advantageous.
- A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach with the ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a globally recognised consumer brand during a significant period of transformation, where you'll have genuine ownership of the Customs & Trade Compliance agenda across EMEA.
You'll work within a collaborative international environment, influence regional strategy, and help build a best-in-class Trade Compliance function as the business continues to expand into new markets.
If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise with strategic influence, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with the team at Pod Talent. – Holly@pod-talent.com
