The UK Trade Compliance & Preferential Origin Specialist  is responsible for ensuring customs and trade compliance across the United Kingdom and supporting EMEA preferential origin programs.
This role serves as the primary interface with customs authorities, business stakeholders, and external service providers to maintain compliance with customs regulations, manage customs authorizations, support strategic trade initiatives, and mitigate customs-related risks.

The position also contributes to maximizing duty savings opportunities through the effective management of Trade Agreements and preferential origin requirements within the EMEA region.

UK Trade Compliance

• Serve as the primary Trade Compliance focal point for the United Kingdom.
• Manage UK customs authorizations, including Inward Processing Relief (IPR) and other customs simplifications.
• Act as the main interface with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on customs compliance matters, audits and inquiries.
• Support manufacturing, logistics, spare parts and wholegoods operations from a Trade Compliance perspective.
• Maintain customs compliance programs and support customs audits, including AEO-related activities.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assess their impact on business operations.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers and external service providers.
• Support customs activities related to Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland trade flows.

Preferential Origin & Free Trade Agreements

• Support EMEA preferential origin compliance programs and Trade Agreement implementation.
• Manage preferential origin qualification activities and origin calculation processes.
• Support customs audits and reviews related to preferential origin requirements.
• Coordinate supplier solicitation activities and origin data collection efforts.
• Collaborate with manufacturing plants, Supplier Compliance teams and Sales Administration stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to maximize duty savings through preferential trade programs.
• Support continuous improvement of origin-related processes, controls and systems.

- Bachelor's Degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Law, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.

- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Trade Compliance, Customs, International Trade, or related functions.

- Strong knowledge of customs regulations, customs compliance requirements, and customs operational processes.

- Experience managing customs authorizations, customs special procedures, and interactions with customs authorities.

- Knowledge of preferential origin rules and Free Trade Agreements (FTA).

- Experience supporting customs audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inspections.

- Proven ability to work effectively across multiple functions, including Manufacturing, Logistics, Finance, Procurement, and external service providers.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

- Experience interacting directly with HMRC or other customs authorities.

- Knowledge of UK customs legislation and post-Brexit customs requirements.

- Experience with Inward Processing Relief (IPR) or similar customs special procedures.

- Experience with preferential origin qualification projects and Free Trade Agreement implementation.

- Familiarity with SAP, Power BI, Databricks or equivalent business systems.

- Experience within manufacturing, automotive, agricultural machinery, or industrial sectors.