International Trade & Customs Manager EMEA

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We currently have an exciting opportunity for an International Trade and Customs Manager, based in either Cadishead or Widnes. Please note this is a hybrid role with an expectation of at least 3 days being worked in one of our offices. Reporting to the Transport Director EMEA, the International Trade & Customs Manager leads global trade, customs, import/export, and tariff compliance across EMEA and international markets. The role ensures compliant, efficient, and cost-effective inbound and outbound supply chain operations, while acting as the subject matter expert for customs, trade compliance, export controls, tariff classification, duty optimisation, excise, and dangerous goods regulations. Working closely with teams across EMEA, the USA, and China, the role develops trade and customs strategies that reduce risk, optimise costs, and strengthen supply chain resilience. The position also manages customs professionals, brokers, freight forwarders, and customs agents, ensuring compliance within an AEO-certified environment. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration across multiple departments with differing priorities and viewpoints, balancing commercial, operational, and regulatory demands to deliver compliant and effective export solutions.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead all international trade, customs, import, and export activities across EMEA and global markets, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant shipments.
• Oversee both inbound and outbound international shipments and support global supply chain operations.
• Manage import and export declarations, customs documentation, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and transport documentation.
• Ensure compliance with global trade controls, sanctions, embargo regulations, and company procedures.
• Oversee dangerous goods documentation and ensure compliance with ADR, IMDG, RID, and IATA regulations.
• Act as escalation point for complex customs, import, export, and trade compliance matters.
• Monitor KPIs related to trade compliance, customs performance, and shipment execution.
• Lead and execute procurement programs for Air and Ocean freight.

Customs, Excise & Compliance Management

• Responsible for customs and excise operations within the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and wider EMEA region.
• Ensure compliant customs treatment of excise-controlled products and oversee EMCS activities.
• Prepare and manage import declarations, export documentation, eADs, export licences, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Support and lead internal and external customs, trade, and compliance audits.

Tariff & Trade Optimisation Strategy

• Analyse changing tariff structures, trade agreements, and geopolitical developments impacting global supply chains.
• Partner with colleagues in the USA, China, and EMEA to identify duty-saving opportunities and alternative sourcing strategies.
• Drive the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), duty suspension regimes, bonded solutions, and other customs simplifications where applicable.
• Support procurement, product management, supply chain, and business development teams with trade and customs expertise during strategic decision-making.

Governance & Control Framework

• Maintain and manage all AEO-related documentation, procedures, and evidence of compliance.
• Lead AEO revalidation activities and act as primary contact for customs authorities regarding AEO matters.
• Own audit readiness across customs, excise, dangerous goods, and international trade activities.
• Represent the company in all interactions with customs authorities and regulatory agencies.

We Are Looking For

• Languages: English is required. Other languages will be beneficial due to the global nature of this role.
• Strong knowledge of EU export/customs procedures, global trade compliance, Incoterms, HS classification and origin rules.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident in managing differing views and priorities across departments.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong ownership mentality.
• Strong collaborator able to work effectively across departments with differing agendas, including Sales, Account Management, Production and Operations teams.
• Willing to work in partnership with colleagues across the business.
• High attention to detail and strong compliance mindset.

Univar Solutions is a leading, global distributor of chemicals and ingredients essential to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our daily lives - from life‑saving medicines and vitamins to hand sanitizers and industrial materials used for cleaning, construction, and more. Our global team of more than 9,500 employees support our vision to redefine distribution and be the most valued chemical and ingredient distributor on the planet!

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes market aligned pay and incentives as well as a diverse benefits offering to support our employees’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Univar Solutions supports sustainable solutions for the world around us so that we can do our part to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean, and safe! We are committed to a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Together, we are building a culture that acknowledges and respects the unique experiences, perspectives, and expertise of every employee. Through our dedicated Employee Resource Networks, we provide the development and growth opportunities to empower us to redefine our industry while making a difference in our communities. Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.