Head of Customs

Head of Customs

Our Customs and Import department is one of our fastest growing teams at Lidl GB and we're looking for an exceptional and experienced Head of Customs to shape and lead it. You'll have full responsibility for developing our customs frameworks and you'll apply your professional approach as you build future–proof processes for our business, whilst managing a team of highly–skilled customs compliance specialists.

We're looking for a natural leader with experience in regulatory compliance in business activities from non–EU countries. Your role will be wide–ranging and constantly evolving as you proactively work to mitigate import (and potential export) compliance risks to ensure all our non–UK entities follow international and national regulations for the movement of goods.

You'll be working at the heart of a thriving UK supermarket and play a major role in defining our growth going forwards. This role will suit someone who relishes the freedom and challenge of taking on responsibility and making the role your own as you shape our trading strategy across our wider business network and prepare us for whatever challenges may lie ahead.

Please note: your contractual job title for this role will be "Executive Consultant – Customs" in line with our internal structures.

What you'll do

Lead the Customs Team, taking full responsibility for all processes and systems
Lead the project management of our Brexit strategy, training and advising relevant business areas
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Undertake continuous analysis of the regulatory environment, in particular, trade tariffs/duties and trade restrictions/requirements and ensure accurate communication to the wider business
Manage the relationship between regulatory bodies, trade partners and internal departments
Identify risks and opportunities in Lidl GB's complex supply chain
Support relevant stakeholders in scenario planning and modelling post–Brexit scenarios and requirements whilst assessing their impact on all business areas
Build and maintain relationships with customs brokers
Plan and manage multiple complex projects in a deadline–driven environment
Understand the objectives and the impact of projects on the business and drive solutions to business–critical issues
Develop, implement, and optimise processes, systems, policies and standards
Support the Director in all customs–related matters and provide regular status reports up to Board level.
What you'll need

Extensive knowledge of import from non–EU countries, particularly the documentation and certificates needed for goods to enter the UK in a rapidly evolving compliance landscape
Expert knowledge of Customs and Excise regulations
Experience with customs authorisations (AEO, CFSP, bonded warehousing etc.)
Experience managing Customs Compliance, identifying and correcting potential violations and providing management with summary reports
Comfortable working with a complex system landscape, including SAP, GTS and customs broker systems
Able to utilise existing networks and connections to build strong relationships with industry bodies
Confident in establishing a strong customs network
Team management experience
Powerful influencing and communication skills and the ability to liaise with employees across all levels
Strong project management skills to be able to work collaboratively with a range of business departments to complete a project successfully
Ability to understand and present complex issues clearly and concisely
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Process focused with attention to detail and experience in setting up and managing processes and procedures
Solid presentation skills, comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders at all levels
Previous experience building processes, structures and frameworks is highly desirable.
What you'll receive

This isn't getting by. This is getting what you deserve. Working at Lidl is rewarding, in every sense, because we give you the training to succeed in your role and plenty of opportunities to progress your career here. We're proud to offer a competitive salary with an additional non–contractual 10% London weighting and a generous holiday allowance. Save for your future with our pension scheme, or save today with an in–store discount, plus extra discounts on days out, cinema tickets and much more.

Please note your employment is conditional upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory references and if requested by the Company, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment