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- Tasks: Manage import/export activities and ensure compliance with UK trade regulations.
- Company: Join MacTaggart Scott, a leader in Naval Defence solutions since 1898.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, comprehensive leave policy, and career development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role while ensuring smooth international operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade compliance and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join Our Team: Trade Compliance Officer
Location: Loanhead, Edinburgh
Flexible Working Options – 4- or 5-day week
Contract: Permanent
MacTaggart Scott is excited to welcome an experienced Trade Compliance Officer to support our critical import and export activities and help keep our international operations moving. Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will partner with our current Trade Compliance Officer to ensure we trade confidently, compliantly, and in line with all UK HMRC and trade compliance regulations.
This is a practical, fast-paced role where no two days are the same. You will be at the centre of our trade and customs processes, working collaboratively across teams and making a real difference through your attention to detail, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
About Us
For over a century, MacTaggart Scott has played a vital role in supporting the Naval Defence sector, providing integrated solutions from early-stage analysis and design to manufacture, commissioning, and long-term through-life support. Established in 1898, our reputation is built on engineering excellence, innovation, and commitment to continuous improvement.
What is the Job About?
The Trade Compliance Officer plays a key role in ensuring compliant, efficient, and timely movement of goods across borders. The role supports imports and exports under a variety of customs regimes, manages documentation and reporting obligations, liaises with freight forwarders and internal stakeholders, and assists with HMRC and UK Government reporting.
Success in this role is measured by maintaining accurate records, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting business operations, and contributing to smooth and cost-effective trade activities across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day import and export activities in line with UK trade compliance and HMRC requirements.
- Prepare, review, and maintain accurate import/export documentation under customs supervision.
- Liaise with freight forwarders, despatch, and internal teams to support clearances, invoicing, and timely shipments.
- Support imports and exports under Home Use, Customs Warehousing (CW), Inward Processing (IP), and Outward Processing (OP).
- Manage licence-controlled activities including Travel Letters, CUTs, approval checks, and SPIRE/LITE applications.
- Maintain shipping and customs records, supporting licence returns, Bills of Discharge, HMRC reports (including 1507), and audits.
- Assist with regulatory reporting and submissions to HMRC and other UK Government departments.
- Review HMRC reports and support Finance with accurate processing of customs invoices and costs.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting trade compliance awareness and best practice.
- Support compliance monitoring, audits, and import/export planning aligned to business objectives.
- Continue to develop trade compliance knowledge through ongoing learning and professional development.
About You
You are a detail-focused and motivated trade compliance professional who enjoys playing a vital role in keeping complex operations running smoothly. With experience in a manufacturing environment, you are comfortable working within established processes, communicating with stakeholders at all levels, and managing detailed administrative tasks with accuracy and professionalism.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in a Trade Compliance role within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable knowledge of UK Trade Compliance and HMRC requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving capability.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.
- A proactive, "can-do" attitude with enthusiasm and motivation.
- Ability to build effective working relationships internally and externally.
Your Future at MacTaggart Scott – What We Offer
- Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00–19:00, core hours 09:30–15:30).
- Comprehensive Leave Policy including annual leave, paid parental leave, and military reservist leave.
- Career Development & Learning Support through our dedicated Learning and Development team.
- Wellbeing Programmes including an Employee Assistance Programme, online wellbeing resources, and onsite nurse.
- Health & Lifestyle Benefits such as life insurance, sick pay, free flu jabs, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Financial & Recognition Rewards including a company pension and a generous employee referral scheme.
- Convenience & Facilities: free onsite parking, canteen, and employee discounts.
Trade Compliance Officer in Edinburgh employer: MacTaggart, Scott and Company
Contact Detail:
MacTaggart, Scott and Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Compliance Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the trade compliance field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK trade compliance and HMRC regulations. We want you to show off your expertise and how it aligns with what MacTaggart Scott is all about!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve tackled compliance issues. We love hearing about how you’ve made a difference in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to jump into the trade compliance world.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Compliance Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trade Compliance Officer role. Highlight your experience in trade compliance and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about trade compliance and how your background makes you a perfect fit for us. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best work, so double-check everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about what we do at MacTaggart Scott!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart, Scott and Company
✨Know Your Trade Compliance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK trade compliance and HMRC regulations before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the specific customs regimes mentioned in the job description, like Home Use and Inward Processing. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the complexities involved.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, be prepared to discuss examples from your past work where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was managing documentation or ensuring compliance, having concrete examples ready will help you stand out.
✨Build Relationships, Even in the Interview
The ability to build strong relationships is key in this role. During the interview, demonstrate your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers. Ask questions about their experiences and how they collaborate with other teams. This shows you're a team player who values communication.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you had to navigate complex trade compliance issues and how you resolved them. Highlight your proactive attitude and 'can-do' mindset to show you're the right fit for this fast-paced environment.