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- Tasks: Lead trade compliance across UK operations and ensure regulatory adherence.
- Company: Established UK manufacturing business with a strong international presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, life assurance, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Take on a critical leadership role with real authority in international trade.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in trade compliance and a degree or qualification preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on training and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Manufacturing | Trade Compliance Leadership Role
Location: Office-based in Gloucestershire with hybrid working, UK
£65,000 – £75,000 basic
- Generous pension contribution
- Life assurance
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working
- Laptop and mobile provided
Umbilical Limited is supporting a well-established UK manufacturing business operating in regulated international markets. Due to internal re-organisation, we are seeking a UK Trade Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen the trade compliance function across UK operations. This is a critical, hands-on leadership role with accountability for customs, export controls, and regulatory compliance, supporting both operational delivery and international trade activity. The role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership as part of a group trade compliance team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Full ownership of UK trade compliance across UK sites
- Ensure compliance with UK, EU and US export controls and customs regulations
- Lead customer screening and KYC processes using third-party tools
- Ownership of tariff classification, country of origin and customs valuation
- Management of inward and outward processing authorisations
- Act as primary contact for HMRC and regulatory audits
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and ERP data integrity
- Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the business
- Lead, coach and develop a small specialist compliance team
- Deliver training and guidance to operational and commercial teams
- Own the UK trade compliance cost centre and duty optimisation
Requirements:
- Minimum three years’ experience in international trade compliance
- A degree or trade compliance qualification is strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of customs, export controls and sanctions
- Experience within manufacturing or engineered products environments
- Confident decision-maker with close attention to regulatory detail
- ERP experience, such as SAP, preferred
- Able to operate hands-on while leading a specialist team
- High integrity with a compliance-first mindset
Why Apply:
- Business-critical leadership role with real authority
- Working as part of an international trade compliance team
- Strong investment in training and professional development
- Long-established organisation with international reach
- Balanced role combining technical expertise and leadership
How to apply:
Please click “apply”, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com
Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Trade Compliance Manager employer: Umbilical Advanced
Contact Detail:
Umbilical Advanced Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Compliance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the trade compliance field on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of customs and export controls. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've navigated compliance challenges. Show them you’re not just book-smart but also street-smart!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve led teams or projects, be sure to highlight those experiences. Employers love candidates who can inspire and guide others, especially in a compliance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. Let’s get you that Trade Compliance Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Compliance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trade Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience in international trade compliance and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this leadership role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to customs, export controls, and team management.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical knowledge in customs and regulatory compliance. We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of these areas, so make sure to include any relevant tools or systems you've worked with, like ERP systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Umbilical Advanced
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK, EU, and US export controls and customs regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also understand their implications in a manufacturing context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in compliance roles. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing others, as this is crucial for the Trade Compliance Manager position.
✨Be Audit-Ready
Familiarise yourself with what it means to maintain audit-ready documentation. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured data integrity in previous roles, particularly with ERP systems like SAP.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've identified and mitigated compliance risks. This will illustrate your proactive approach and ability to handle challenges effectively, which is key for this role.
