Trade Compliance Manager; Customs

Career Area

Supply Chain and Logistics

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Trade Compliance Manager

Starting from £57,737 (depending on experience)

Shrewsbury

• 25 days annual leave,
• Up to 12% Bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
  - Caterpillar will contribute up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme
  - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
• Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.

Caterpillar Defense at Shrewsbury is responsible for the design, development and integration of engine and drivetrain packages to meet the needs of tracked and wheeled military products globally. The facility also provides remanufacturing services for industrial military engines, components and transmissions.

We're looking for a proactive and business-oriented Trade Compliance Manager to lead and execute our UK trade compliance programme. In this high-impact role, you'll be the trusted expert on import/export regulations, customs compliance, sanctions, origin, and trade remedies, helping the business navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape.

In addition to providing subject matter expertise, you will lead and develop a small team of supply chain professionals, providing coaching, guidance, and day-to-day direction to ensure high performance, capability growth, and the effective delivery of compliance and operational objectives.

Beyond ensuring compliance, you'll have the opportunity to influence facility leadership, optimise cross-border operations, and drive process improvements that support business growth. Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation and external partners, you'll play a key role in balancing regulatory requirements with commercial objectives, ensuring goods move efficiently, compliantly, and cost-effectively around the world.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement in a truly collaborative environment

• Manage day-to-day UK trade compliance activities, including import and export controls, customs declarations, customs valuation, origin and tariff classification processes.
• Manage a small team of Supply Chain professionals, ensuring day-to-day activities align to the business goals and strategy.
• Be the subject matter expert and point of contact for trade compliance matters. Provide guidance and support internally to ensure compliance with trade compliance requirements.
• Work with division compliance teams and enterprise trade advisors to provide support business initiatives impacted by international trade laws and regulations. Communicate with stakeholders including purchasing, business resources, supply chain, engineering, and logistics to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Oversee the accuracy and completeness of customs declarations submitted by customs brokers or agents.
• Continue to develop, implement, and maintain trade compliance procedures, work instructions, and internal controls.
• Lead internal transaction audits and reviews to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor changes in UK and international trade regulations and assess their impact on the business.
• Drive continuous improvement and trade compliance awareness through identification of opportunities for development, training and coaching within the business.
• Partner with Procurement, Logistics, Business Resources, and Supply Chain teams to ensure trade compliance requirements are embedded in operational processes.
• Manage relationships with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external advisors to ensure compliance with agreed procedures and service expectations.
• Support business projects involving new markets, new products, supply chain changes, or systems implementation.
• Prepare management reporting on key compliance metrics, risks, audit findings, and remediation actions.

Level Extensive

Experience:

• Expert knowledge of UK customs and trade compliance, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering or logistics environment.
• Detailed knowledge of UK import and export requirements, including customs valuation, tariff classification, origin and preference.
• Experience working with HMRC, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal business stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining trade compliance procedures, controls, and audit processes.
• Proficiency in…