Global Operations and Customs Compliance Specialist in Hounslow

Location: Hybrid working 3 days a week in either our Cargo Facility at DCE – London Heathrow or VHQ in Crawley. The working week must include a Thursday at DCE.

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday, 22nd March 2026

At Virgin Atlantic Cargo, we believe the world is better connected through safe, compliant and seamless global operations. As we continue to strengthen our global cargo network, we are looking for a Specialist – Global Operations & Customs Compliance to help us protect our standards, safeguard our reputation, and ensure we operate to the highest regulatory expectations worldwide.

This is a unique opportunity to combine deep customs expertise with operational influence, playing a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our global compliance framework.

As Specialist – Global Operations & Customs Compliance, you will act as the subject matter expert for global customs, safety and security compliance across Virgin Atlantic Cargo. You will ensure our operations comply with UK, US and international customs regulations, including TSA, FAA, CBP and HMRC requirements. You will oversee and coordinate the global cargo training programme, support audits and investigations, and act as a key liaison with regulatory bodies and industry partners.

This is a highly visible role where you will represent Virgin Atlantic Cargo with credibility and confidence, helping embed robust compliance standards across our global network.

Day to day:

• Maintain and enhance Virgin Atlantic Cargo’s global customs compliance framework
• Act as the SME for UK, US and European customs regulations
• Liaise directly with regulatory bodies and industry groups where required
• Coordinate and support global accreditations such as C-TPAT and Cargo iQ
• Oversee risk-based auditing and support investigation of compliance incidents
• Own and coordinate the global cargo training programme, ensuring all mandatory and regulatory requirements are met
• Deliver training where required, both virtually and in person
• Support operational teams with new route start-ups and regulatory readiness
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to drive compliance, awareness and continuous improvement

About You:

We are looking for someone with strong experience working within cargo operations and regulatory compliance frameworks, ideally with exposure to UK, US and European customs environments. You will bring a deep understanding of cargo customs terminology, documentation and operational processes, with the confidence to engage at all levels, from frontline teams to regulatory authorities.

In addition to the above, we’d love for our successful Specialist – Global Operations & Customs Compliance to demonstrate the following:

• Strong knowledge of international customs regulations and aviation compliance requirements
• Experience working within structured compliance programmes such as C-TPAT or similar
• Ability to educate, influence and embed behavioural change across diverse teams
• Experience designing or delivering training within an operational environment
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build credibility quickly
• Strong analytical skills and risk awareness
• Confidence operating in a fast-paced, globally connected environment

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience working directly with US regulatory frameworks (TSA, FAA, CBP)
• Exposure to Cargo iQ standards and quality assurance programmes
• Experience working within a global airline or cargo organisation
• Experience liaising with joint venture or international partners

If this sounds like you, and you would like to unlock your potential with us, we would love to hear from you.

Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger. Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world – no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive.

So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong. To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team (recruitment@fly.virgin.com) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.