At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations and ensure compliance with trade regulations for vehicle manufacturing.
- Company: Join INEOS Automotive, a trailblazer in 4X4 development and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in customs leadership, strong communication, and strategic planning skills.
- Other info: Work in a diverse team of 1500 employees across 10 locations worldwide.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Since we started our journey to build a no nonsense 4X4, we’ve come a long way. We’ve established INEOS Automotive as a serious contender in 4X4 development and manufacturing. We’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in the automotive industry. We’ve made our way from vision to prototype. We’ve secured a world‑class production facility and delivery team. We’ve delivered Grenadiers to customers all around the world. We’re building our double cab pick up, the Quartermaster.
People and Culture Easy never changed anything. Not in manufacturing, science, engineering or energy – and certainly not elite sport. At INEOS we tackle every challenge head‑on, and we help extraordinary athletes achieve extraordinary things. When it comes to making positive change, we know nothing gets done without grit, rigor and humor. Our Automotive team consists of around 1500 employees, 10 locations and 44 nationalities, we’re an international team working together to challenge the ordinary. If this sounds like you, let’s talk.
Your role: Manager Trade Compliance and Customs is responsible to oversee that all parts deliveries, manufacture and distribution of vehicles and service parts comply with all required customs, VAT and Duty regimes, besides structuring internal customs activity processes and organisation to ensure that INEOS reduces and/or defers costs when and where possible. Target is to manage all customs activities inhouse in the future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a customs team to ensure customs operations according to rules and regulations.
- Define the customs strategy for all manufacturing, dispatch, and service facilities, and integrate that strategy seamlessly into the INEOS business, including In‑Plant Logistics, IT and Outbound Distribution.
- Ensure that the SSCM Operations function meets all the set targets for Cost, Quality, Safety, Environment and Delivery as defined by the business in each financial year.
- Orchestrate and execute the agreed customs strategies for all manufacturing plants in line with the agreed legal and compliance obligations.
- Ensure all KPI’s and core SLA’s enable full transparency and comply with current and future legal requirements.
- Be fully aware of all current and future customs and duty regimes in both parts origin and vehicle destination markets, to develop strategies that take full advantage of these changes but remain compliant and do not threaten the integrity of INEOS Automotive or the wider INEOS Group.
- Create and implement best practice customs, principles, policies and processes across the organisation to improve operational and financial performance. This should include working with the wider INEOS Group where applicable.
- Support all functions and projects (as required) and support new business initiatives and projects where required.
Qualifications:
- At least 7+ years in customs and leadership experience, ideally in a Management Role, and proven record of strategic or planning role at minimum.
- Deep practical experience of UK, US and European trade Regulations.
- Confident in dealing with managers, Government officials and Lawyers.
- Experienced in operationalizing international trade legal requirements.
- Ability to work under pressure and within high uncertain environment.
- Ability to create and build, from the ground‑up, structured processes and teams.
- Sense of early anticipation of regulatory changes.
- Automotive experience preferred or similar dynamic environment.
- Able to manage stakeholder expectations and possesses strong influencing skills.
- Create strong cross‑functional working relationships that create value through identifying and implementing change.
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance of effective customs processes in critical supply chain operations, including transportation, carrier management, lean inventory and vehicle export and import.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey new and challenging ideas concisely and with precision to all levels of the business.
- Must be innovative, challenging, and entrepreneurial, believes in continuous improvement and the application of lean principles.
If the role sounds of interest and you want to learn more please apply.
Job Details
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Discipline: Operations
- Type: Full-time
- Business: INEOS Automotive
- Posted: 06 February 2026
- Requisition ID: EDCABECBE2
Manager Trade Compliance and Customs employer: INEOS Belgium
Contact Detail:
INEOS Belgium Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Trade Compliance and Customs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the automotive industry, especially those who work in customs and compliance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching INEOS Automotive's customs strategies and recent developments. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our needs. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've tackled compliance challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at INEOS Automotive.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager Trade Compliance and Customs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Manager Trade Compliance and Customs. Highlight your experience in customs and leadership, and don’t forget to mention any relevant automotive experience. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for INEOS Automotive. Share your passion for compliance and customs, and how your background aligns with our mission. Remember, we love grit and humour, so let your personality show!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or saved costs. We’re all about operational and financial performance, so make those numbers count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at INEOS Belgium
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK, US, and European trade regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss specific customs strategies and how they can be applied at INEOS will show that you're not just familiar with the rules but also ready to lead a team in navigating them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to build structured processes from scratch and how you've managed stakeholder expectations effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would define and implement a customs strategy for INEOS. Be ready to discuss your approach to integrating this strategy across various functions like In-Plant Logistics and IT, showcasing your understanding of cross-functional collaboration.
✨Be Innovative and Solution-Oriented
Come prepared with ideas on how to improve operational and financial performance through best practice customs processes. Show that you’re not just reactive but proactive in anticipating regulatory changes and finding ways to leverage them for the company's benefit.