European Customs Coordinator

Position overview:

The essential purpose of the function is to provide customs support across the UK and Europe, ensuring compliance with customs regulations and efficient cross-border movement of goods. The role serves as the primary point of contact for UK customs matters, supports customs operations across the region, manages relationships with customs agents and authorities, and contributes to process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, compliance and operational effectiveness. In addition, the role is responsible for supporting sustainability tax reporting activities, including CBAM and Plastic Packaging Tax compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary point of contact for customs matters related to the movement of goods to and from the UK, while providing customs support to other European locations as required.
• Supporting the business on customs requirements for new and existing goods flows by coordinating with plants, customs agents, carriers and external advisors to ensure compliant and efficient import and export operations.
• Managing relationships with customs agents and overseeing customs-related costs, including import VAT and duty reconciliation, invoice reviews, purchase orders and customs cost analysis.
•  Oversees the operation of the UK customs framework, including implementation and continuous improvement of UK customs processes, performing necessary control and compliance activities, while maintaining customs documentation, and ensuring compliance with UK customs regulations.
• Managing preferential origin activities, including origin calculations, supplier declarations and customs documentation required for international trade.
• Supporting customs-related financial reporting activities, including Intrastat reporting, budgeting, forecasting and customs cost analysis.
• Coordinating sustainability tax reporting activities, including CBAM and Plastic Packaging Tax, by collecting and analyzing import data, preparing reports for calculating tax liabilities, submission of some statutory reports and supporting forecasting, budgeting and regional compliance. 
• Supporting customs audits, regulatory inquiries, implementation of new customs legislation and customs-related projects across Europe.
• Identifying opportunities to improve customs processes, increase operational efficiency and strengthen compliance through continuous improvement initiatives and project support.

What are we looking for?

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous experience in UK and European customs operations preferred.
• Good understanding of customs regulations, import/export processes and customs compliance requirements.
• Experience with customs reporting, trade compliance or indirect tax activities would be considered an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex customs legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work effectively with internal and external partners.
• Advanced Excel skills, experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify and implement process enhancements.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.