At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK trade compliance, manage a team, and optimise cross-border operations.
- Company: Join Caterpillar, a global leader in construction and mining equipment.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £57,737, 25 days leave, and up to 12% bonus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global trade while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expertise in UK customs, trade compliance, and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57737 - 57737 £ per year.
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. Together, we are building a better world.
Salary: Starting from £57,737 (depending on experience)
Location: Shrewsbury
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave
- Up to 12% Bonus
- Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will contribute up to 10%
- Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution
- Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase
About Caterpillar Defense: Caterpillar Defense at Shrewsbury is responsible for the design, development and integration of engine and drivetrain packages to meet the needs of tracked and wheeled military products globally. The facility also provides remanufacturing services for industrial military engines, components and transmissions.
The Opportunity: We're looking for a proactive and business-oriented Trade Compliance Manager to lead and execute our UK trade compliance programme. In this high-impact role, you'll be the trusted expert on import/export regulations, customs compliance, sanctions, origin, and trade remedies, helping the business navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape.
What You Will Do:
- Manage day-to-day UK trade compliance activities, including import and export controls, customs declarations, customs valuation, origin and tariff classification processes.
- Manage a small team of Supply Chain professionals, ensuring day-to-day activities align to the business goals and strategy.
- Be the subject matter expert and point of contact for trade compliance matters.
- Provide guidance and support internally to ensure compliance with trade compliance requirements.
- Work with division compliance teams and enterprise trade advisors to provide support business initiatives impacted by international trade laws and regulations.
- Communicate with stakeholders including purchasing, business resources, supply chain, engineering, and logistics to ensure alignment and compliance.
- Oversee the accuracy and completeness of customs declarations submitted by customs brokers or agents.
- Continue to develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance procedures, work instructions, and internal controls.
- Lead internal transaction audits and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor changes in UK and international trade regulations and assess their impact on the business.
- Drive continuous improvement and trade compliance awareness through identification of opportunities for development, training and coaching within the business.
- Partner with Procurement, Logistics, Business Resources, and Supply Chain teams to ensure trade compliance requirements are embedded in operational processes.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external advisors to ensure compliance with agreed procedures and service expectations.
- Support business projects involving new markets, new products, supply chain changes, or systems implementation.
- Prepare management reporting on key compliance metrics, risks, audit findings, and remediation actions.
What You Have:
- International Trade: Knowledge of the markets, issues, regulations, practices and operations of international trade; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately in diverse situations.
- Extensive Experience: Expert knowledge of UK customs and trade compliance, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or logistics environment.
- Detailed knowledge of UK import and export requirements, including customs valuation, tariff classification, origin and preference.
- Experience working with HMRC, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal business stakeholders.
- Experience developing and maintaining trade compliance procedures, controls, and audit processes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with customs declaration system.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical customs requirements clearly to non-specialist stakeholders.
- Experience developing and maintaining trade compliance procedures, controls, and audit processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex compliance matters accurately.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret legislation and apply requirements to practical business scenarios.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of UK and international sanctions, export controls, and restricted party screening requirements.
- Prior leadership/supervisory experience.
- Experience with QAD, SAP, and similar trade compliance systems.
- Knowledge of UK CDS requirements and customs declaration data elements.
- Experience with preferential origin reviews, supplier declarations, and free trade agreement compliance.
- Professional qualification or training in customs, international trade, logistics, or supply chain management.
Additional information: Office Base: this role will be based at the Shrewsbury facility office 5 days per week. This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Trade Compliance Manager (Customs) in Shrewsbury employer: Caterpillar
At Caterpillar Stockton, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace; we are a community of skilled craftsmen dedicated to excellence in precision engineering. Our employees enjoy competitive pay rates, generous overtime opportunities, and a supportive work-life balance with additional holidays and flexible schedules. With access to on-site wellness facilities and clear pathways for career advancement, joining our team means becoming part of a world-class manufacturing hub that values your contributions and fosters your growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Compliance Manager (Customs) in Shrewsbury
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Caterpillar looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Compliance Manager (Customs) in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Caterpillar. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caterpillar
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Caterpillar’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
