Freight & Trade Compliance Specialist
HybridHarwell, England, United Kingdom
Job Summary
Manage inbound transportation operations across ocean, air, drayage, and trucking modes, ensuring efficient, cost-effective movement of goods while maintaining compliant UK and EU import execution. Drive transportation planning, carrier coordination, and routing optimization to reduce costs and support business continuity, while building reporting that monitors forecast accuracy, landed cost, and customs exceptions. Oversee trade compliance execution by coordinating documentation, broker alignment, and adherence to UK Customs Declaration Service and EU declaration platforms. Lead tariff classification, customs valuation, and rules of origin programs to optimize duty filing and resolve regulatory inquiries from HMRC and Border Force. This hands-on role requires flexibility for West Coast time zone support and collaboration with US-based stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, customs, or trade compliance
- Stronger emphasis on transportation planning and execution for international inbound operations and UK/EU imports
- Strong working knowledge of transportation operations, carrier management, routing, Incoterms, and performance reporting
- Strong working knowledge of customs requirements, import/export controls, and governing trade laws across the UK and Europe
- Practical expertise in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
- Practical expertise in UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
- Practical expertise in EU declaration platforms
- Practical expertise in the application of tariff classification, customs valuation, and rules of origin
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Proficiency in relevant transportation or trade systems such as SAP, TMS, Infor Nexus, Tableau, or GTS platforms
- 3 days office based in Harwell, Oxford
- Flexibility to provide support outside of standard UK working hours when required to accommodate West Coast time zones
Desired Qualifications
- Preferred knowledge of AEO concepts
- Preferred knowledge of broker oversight
- Preferred knowledge of HMRC and EU customs audit expectations
- Preferred knowledge of emerging sustainability-related trade requirements such as EUDR, ESPR, and Digital Product Passport
- Experience in retail, footwear, apparel, or consumer goods supply chains
- Professional certifications such as IoE&IT qualifications, UK Customs Academy certification, CCS, or similar UK/European customs credentials
- Positive and team-oriented attitude
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