Senior Customs Consultant

Senior Customs Consultant — London (Surbiton)

Your Supportive Bridge to an Exciting Customs & Trade Career

Location: Lidl House, 14 Kingston Road, Surbiton, KT5 9NU London (Hybrid working model: 3+ days in-office, up to 2 days at home)

Contract Type: Full Time | Experienced

Reference Number: 702044

Compensation: £61,600 - £88,000 per annum (includes 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance) + company car allowance

Perks: 35 days' holiday (pro rata), 10% in-store discount, pension scheme, free on-site gym, barista bar/restaurant, on-site EV parking, and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

About Us: Your Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

At [Agency Name], we believe that finding your next career milestone should be an empowering and seamless experience. As a supportive bridge staffing agency, we walk beside you every step of the way—smoothing out the application process, championing your unique skills, and connecting you with fantastic corporate and specialist opportunities at industry-leading brands.

We are proud to partner with a top-tier retail leader to find an experienced, strategic, and detail-oriented Senior Customs Consultant for their Head Office in Surbiton. If you are looking to advance your career in international trade and compliance within a dynamic corporate environment with a dedicated agency supporting your journey, we are here to help you secure it.

The Role

Join a culture that empowers every team member to innovate, lead, and bring more to value. Lidl’s Customs department is seeking a Senior Customs Consultant to lead the successful operation of the customs team. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with the Customs Team Manager, Tax colleagues, and the broader Finance Department.

As the subject matter expert and escalation lead reporting to the Head of Customs, you will ensure high-volume, just-in-time imports and exports are compliant, cost-effective, and efficient. You will oversee the end-to-end trade journey, resolving border delays and regulatory issues while maintaining strict adherence to HMRC and Border Force standards.

Working on a hybrid model, you will spend three days or more in a state-of-the-art office featuring an on-site gym, barista bar, restaurant, and fantastic amenities, combined with up to two days working from home to support a healthy work-life balance.

What You’ll Do:

• Compliance Strategy: Lead end-to-end customs compliance strategies to ensure full adherence to regulatory requirements and operational efficiency.

• SME & Escalation: Serve as the subject matter expert and primary escalation point for complex trade queries (Rules of Origin, Valuation, Tariff Classification).

• Trade Monitoring: Analyze geopolitical trade shifts, FTAs, and legislative updates (e.g., UK-EU TCA, CDS) to optimize business processes.

• Frameworks & Audits: Design, implement, and audit robust internal customs compliance frameworks aligned with AEO criteria and HMRC standards.

• Systems & Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with SAP GTS teams to provide expert regulatory guidance and collaborate with cross-functional teams on trade guidance.

• Projects & Leadership: Manage large-scale import/export projects, special trade programmes, and process designs to optimize the logistics chain.

What You’ll Need

• Qualifications: Hold a CILT Level 6, MCIEX Grad, or a Degree in International Trade Compliance or Law.

• Experience: Proven experience in advisory and audit roles, specifically with HMRC or large consultancies, alongside operational customs clearance expertise.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of customs and excise regulations, including AEO, HMRC, and Border Force requirements.

• Industry Background: Demonstrated background in customs bonded warehousing, duty optimisation, and import/export operations within the retail or FMCG sector.

• Technical Skills: Extensive experience using customs software and electronic reporting systems (working knowledge of SPS and/or BTOM controls is highly advantageous).

What’s in It for You

• Competitive Salary: £61,600 - £88,000 per annum (depending on experience, including London weighting) plus a company car allowance.

• Generous Time Off: 35 days' holiday per year (pro rata).

• Perks & Facilities: 10% in-store discount, contributory pension scheme, free on-site gym, barista bar, restaurant, and on-site car parking with electric vehicle charging.

• Well-being & Support: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and extensive professional training opportunities.