Senior Customs Consultant
About this role
Job Advertisement: Senior Customs Consultant (via Bridge Staffing Agency)
Position Overview
Role: Senior Customs Consultant
Location: Lidl House, 14 Kingston Road, Surbiton, London (KT5 9NU)
Salary: £61,600 to £88,000 per annum (includes 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance) plus company car allowance
Contract Type: Full-Time (Hybrid working model: 3+ days in-office, up to 2 days working from home)
Reference Number: 702044
About the Role
Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Lidl to recruit an assertive, adaptable, and experienced Senior Customs Consultant in Surbiton, London. In this pivotal role within the Finance, Accounting & Tax department, you will lead the successful operation of the Customs team, acting as the subject matter expert and primary escalation lead reporting to the Head of Customs.
You will ensure Lidl's high-volume, just-in-time imports and exports remain compliant, cost-effective, and efficient while overseeing the end-to-end trade journey and maintaining strict adherence to HMRC and Border Force standards.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Strategy: Lead end-to-end customs compliance strategies to ensure full adherence to regulatory requirements and operational efficiency.
Expert Advisory: Serve as the primary escalation point for complex trade queries, including Rules of Origin, Valuation, and Tariff Classification.
Frameworks & Audits: Design, implement, and audit robust internal customs compliance frameworks aligned with AEO criteria and HMRC standards, assisting with quarterly reviews.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with SAP GTS teams, Tax colleagues, and the broader Finance Department to provide expert regulatory guidance and manage large-scale import/export projects.
What You’ll Need
Hold a CILT Level 6, MCIEX Grad, or a Degree in International Trade Compliance or Law.
Proven advisory and audit experience, specifically with HMRC or large consultancies.
Deep operational expertise in customs clearance, process design, and logistics optimisation within the retail or FMCG sector.
Thorough understanding of customs and excise regulations, AEO requirements, and electronic reporting systems.
Strong ability to interpret complex trade legislation and drive business process improvements.
What’s on Offer (Benefits)
Competitive Salary: £61,600 - £88,000 per annum, plus a company car allowance.
Hybrid Working: Enjoy a great work-life balance with up to 2 days working from home and state-of-the-art office facilities.
Generous Time Off: 35 days holiday per year (pro rata).
Office Perks: Free onsite parking with EV charging, an onsite gym, a barista bar, and a restaurant.
Perks & Support: 10% in-store discount card, contributory pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and extensive training for career progression.