Import & Export Specialist In Logistics in London

This role exists to ensure the uninterrupted, compliant, and time‑critical movement of very high volumes of product into and out of the UK and Ireland for one of the world’s largest fashion retailers. The Import & Export Agent plays a key role in maintaining stock flow, store availability, and distribution continuity across multiple brands. Decisions and actions taken in this role have a direct operational impact on stores, distribution centres, and customers. The role operates within a high‑pressure, fast‑moving international transport network, where accuracy, speed, and responsiveness are essential.

Role Context

• Office‑based role at the Inditex London Head Office
• Reports to the Head of Transport
• Works closely with Spanish Transport Headquarters and Distribution Centres
• Interfaces daily with customs brokers, freight forwarders, courier partners, and internal Finance and Supply teams
• Operates across multiple delivery cycles, deadlines, and time zones

Key Responsibilities

• Customs Operation key responsibilities:
• Direct communication with Customs HQ in Spain and with Customs brokers in the UK.
• Management of brokerage services, including knowledge of key partners in the UK.
• Ensure that all import declarations are correctly filed for all goods entering the UK.
• Resolution of operational issues such as missing documentation, missing HS codes, or shipments held at Customs; direct communication with Inditex Import/Export/Transport HQ.
• Regular auditing of import declarations submitted by brokers, including knowledge of classification (HS codes), customs valuation, duty rates, Incoterms, and FTAs.
• Providing guidance, or sourcing guidance, on import procedures, including: Preferential duties, Customs procedures (bonded warehouses, returns, transits), E-commerce regulations, Low-value imports (e-commerce), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), AEO requirements.
• Management of import licenses and compliance with UK government requirements for specific product categories (e.g. cosmetics, electronics).
• Preparation and management of applications for Customs accreditations for ITX UK, such as AEO (Authorized Economic Operator).
• Ongoing communication with HMRC, including handling information requests, calls, and participation in relevant webinars.
• Preparation of documentation and responses in the event of audits from HMRC or other government bodies.
• Monitoring and staying up to date with new import regulations that may impact operations (e.g. new tariffs, restrictions, or procedures).
• Control and reconciliation of payments to HMRC and customs brokers, including analysis of duties and broker-related costs.
• Systems, Data & Operational Control:
• Work confidently within Inditex systems, including Extranet, SGE, and SFI, to manage shipment, invoice, and customs data.
• Ensure all operational data is correct first time, recognizing the impact of data errors on clearance, cost, and delivery performance.
• Maintain documentation and records in line with internal controls, audit requirements, and customs standards.
• International & Cross‑Functional Communication:
• Act as an operational contact for Spanish Transport Headquarters, communicating clearly and consistently in Spanish and English.
• Provide accurate, timely information to internal teams to support transport planning and decision‑making.
• Work closely with Finance to support HMRC engagement, customs validations, and transport invoice approval.
• Incident Management & Business Continuity:
• Monitor transport activity and respond decisively to delivery delays, customs exceptions, damaged goods, and incorrect deliveries.
• Support high‑priority store transfers, country distribution flows, and urgent movements where timelines are critical.
• Provide import/export and transport support for e‑commerce and store delivery activity as required.
• Deliver out‑of‑hours operational support as a required part of the role, including late evenings and weekends, via a structured on‑call rota, ensuring continuity of operations at all times.

Job Requirements

• Practical experience managing import and export activity within a live transport or logistics environment.
• Strong working knowledge of customs documentation, clearance processes, and broker interaction.
• Experience supporting shipments moving between the EU and the UK.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in environments characterized by high volumes, strict deadlines, and changing priorities.
• Experience in fashion retail or high‑turnover consumer sectors is advantageous, though transferable experience from comparable environments is equally valued.

Skills & Capabilities

• Fluent Spanish and English, with confidence communicating operational detail verbally and in writing.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Confident user of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel within operational environments.
• Comfortable working with transport, customs, and logistics systems.
• Able to remain calm, focused, and solution‑driven when managing urgent or escalated issues.
• Able to meet the flexibility demands of an internationally operating transport function, including out‑of‑hours support.