Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

Full-Time 65000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Remote
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global trade compliance initiatives and ensure smooth import/export operations.
  • Company: Join a leading global medical solutions business making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, remote work, and international exposure.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a purpose-driven organisation.
  • Why this job: Shape processes and drive improvements in a high-impact role.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in international trade compliance and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.

Salary: £65k - 75k per year + Bonus, Remote Working

Pod Talent is delighted to be supporting a leading global medical solutions business in the search for a UK Customs & Trade Compliance Manager. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating in a complex, international environment and wants to play a key part in shaping and strengthening a global trade compliance programme. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the UK, Netherlands and US, providing critical guidance on customs and trade compliance while driving improvements, efficiency and risk mitigation across the business. This is a visible, high-impact role within a highly regulated, purpose-driven organisation committed to improving lives through innovative medical solutions.

Key Responsibilities for the position of Trade Compliance Manager:

  • Lead the development and ongoing execution of a standardised global trade compliance programme, with primary focus on the UK and Europe.
  • Ensure all import and export activity remains fully compliant, supporting the efficient and compliant flow of goods globally.
  • Manage and support the Inward Processing Relief (IPR) programme, including accurate reconciliation and reporting.
  • Conduct internal audits and support/manage AEO certification, identifying and resolving compliance gaps.
  • Assign, review and manage Harmonised Tariff Codes (HTS), as well as maintaining accurate SAP master data.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including trade automation, process optimisation and systems improvements.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customs brokers, freight partners, government agencies and internal stakeholders.
  • Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance, problem-solving support and training to the wider business.

Key Experience Required for the position of Trade Compliance Manager:

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in international trade compliance, covering both import and export regulations.
  • Strong working knowledge of HTS classification (ideally within medical devices or highly regulated products) in both Europe and the US.
  • Proven experience supporting or managing global customs programmes across multiple regions.
  • Hands-on experience with Inward Processing Relief (IPR) is essential.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to turn insight into action.
  • Experience working with SAP and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
  • Exposure to trade automation systems such as Thomson Reuters OneSource is highly desirable.
  • Background in medical devices, pharmaceuticals or another highly regulated industry is beneficial, but not essential.

Why apply?

This is a brilliant opportunity to step into a highly visible, influential role where you can genuinely shape processes, drive improvements and have a real impact on a global organisation. You’ll gain international exposure, autonomy and the chance to be part of a business that is making a tangible difference to people’s lives every day.

To apply: Please submit your application or send your CV directly to Holly at holly@pod-talent.com. If your experience aligns with the role, I’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.

Customs & Trade Compliance Manager employer: Pod Talent

Join a dynamic e-commerce business in London that values innovation and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions directly influence growth across the UK and Europe. With a focus on employee development, you will have access to training and mentorship opportunities, ensuring your professional growth while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates success and fosters teamwork.

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Contact Details:

Pod Talent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

✨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 Pod Talent looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Trade Compliance Manager

International Trade Compliance
Import and Export Regulations
Harmonised Tariff Codes (HTS) Classification
Inward Processing Relief (IPR)
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
SAP Proficiency

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 Pod Talent. 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 Pod Talent

✨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 Pod Talent’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!