At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team ensuring compliance with UK customs regulations and procedures.
- Company: Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, employing over 53,000 worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, mental health support, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative company that values diversity and offers growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK customs and a willingness to learn are essential; all backgrounds welcome.
- Other info: This hybrid role requires occasional travel and attendance at the Yeovil site.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Customs Compliance Specialist, Southampton
col-narrow-left
Client:
Leonardo
Location:
Southampton, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
–
EU work permit required:
Yes
col-narrow-right
Job Reference:
a2cfb252ff0a
Job Views:
5
Posted:
12.07.2025
Expiry Date:
26.08.2025
col-wide
Job Description:
Job Description:
Your Impact
Are you a Customs Compliance professional, with experience in UK customs, knowledge of UK import/export requirements and Customs special procedures and are looking for a new career path in an exciting and dynamic company that has so much to offer? If this sounds like you then keep reading.
You will be part of a team, which provides a business support service, including advice and guidance, to Leonardo\’s Electronics and Cyber business operations and functions to ensure the business remains compliant with UK and other relevant trade control laws and regulations.
As a Customs Compliance Specialist you will:
- Provide expert advice to project teams and stakeholders on customs compliance and procedures.
- Maintain accurate records in line with HMRC, DBT, and internal requirements.
- Manage and maintain customs special procedures (e.g., IP, OP, TA, CW, AEO), ensuring they are updated and renewed as needed.
- Oversee Brokers customs clearances, ensuring timely and accurate HMRC declarations.
- Complete and submit all required customs reports, including bills of discharge.
- Conduct compliance checks across key systems (Internal systems, SAP, GTS, CAT 360), addressing any discrepancies.
- Analyse MSS data to support risk assessments and ensure effective use of customs regimes.
- Review third-party import/export activity to ensure alignment with Leonardo’s customs instructions.
- Manage re-export processes to ensure any financial liabilities are discharged correctly.
- Support the correct application of the Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) vs Deferment Account regime in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist in preparation for internal and external audits related to UK customs.
- Advise on import strategies for company-owned, customer-owned, and repair materials.
- Ensure customs clearance instructions are provided to brokers in a timely manner.
- Monitor MRNs to confirm accuracy of imported goods and request amendments if needed.
- Generate internal reports and ensure compliance with all record-keeping regulations.
- Support performance reviews and KPI tracking for logistics/brokers/freight providers.
- Contribute to training initiatives for logistics partners to ensure process adherence.
This is a hybrid working role, you will need to attend our Yeovil site 1-2 times a week. There may also be a requirement for some national travel as well.
What you’ll bring
- Experienced UK Customs practitioner with detailed knowledge of UK import and exports requirements
- Good knowledge of Customs Special Procedures including AEO
- Experience of Customs Valuation, Tariff Classification and Origin of goods
- Strong interpersonal/influencing skills to support decision-making based on credible knowledge of International Trade.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you\’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Customs Compliance Specialist employer: Leonardo
Contact Detail:
Leonardo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Compliance Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with UK customs regulations and procedures. Understanding the specific requirements for import/export can give you an edge in discussions during interviews, showcasing your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the customs compliance field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who work in customs. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with customs special procedures, such as AEO. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed these processes in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Leonardo's operations and values. Understanding their business model and how customs compliance fits into their overall strategy will help you tailor your responses in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Compliance Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in UK customs and compliance. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'Customs Special Procedures' and 'HMRC', to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Customs Compliance Specialist role, showcasing your knowledge of import/export requirements.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal and influencing skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported decision-making in previous roles, particularly in relation to customs compliance.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in customs compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo
✨Know Your Customs Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK customs regulations and procedures before the interview. Being able to discuss specific import/export requirements and customs special procedures will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used data analysis in previous roles, especially in relation to customs compliance. Highlight any experience with systems like SAP or GTS, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves advising project teams and stakeholders, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's customs processes and how they align with industry standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.