Vacancy: Head of Customs Compliance – Princes Group
Job Type: Permanent
Country: United Kingdom
Location: Liverpool
Business Area: Operations
Workplace Type: Hybrid
About Princes Group
The Princes Group employs over 7,000 staff and operates production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. We manufacture roughly 350 food and drink products sourced responsibly and enjoyed worldwide. Our culture prioritises sustainability, innovation and a supportive workplace where colleagues take pride in representing our business.
Role Description
The Head of Customs Compliance will join the Supply Chain Leadership Team based within the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool. The role reports to the Chief Supply Chain Officer and will set the Group’s Import/Export strategy, ensuring compliance, cost optimisation and digitalisation across a global network of over 20 production sites, suppliers and customers.
Principal Responsibilities
* Lead the Group Import/Export strategy, integrating IT, digital and process improvements to optimise cross‑border movement of goods.
* Develop and enforce Group‑wide Customs policies, including duties, preferences, taxes, origin and restrictions, with full traceability and audit protocols.
* Act as the senior internal and external point of contact for regulatory bodies, industry forums (e.g., Food and Drink Federation) and national trade bodies.
* Build strong supplier and customer relationships, overseeing contract negotiations, performance KPI monitoring, and implementation of end‑to‑end supply chain optimisations.
* Own the duty deferment account, oversee budgets, and provide periodic financial reporting to support business P&L integration.
* Lead risk assessment and trade sanctions procedures, ensuring robust monitoring and third‑party compliance across the supply chain.
* Drive continuous improvement projects such as Sea Freight Digitalisation, leveraging technology to reduce costs and enhance service levels.
Role Requirements
* Domestic and internal travel (approximately 10% of the role).
* Deep knowledge of customs regulations, tariff classification, valuation, origin rules, and global trade agreements.
* Substantial experience in the Food & Beverage sector, particularly with products of animal origin and preferential tariffs.
* Expertise in EU procedures, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the Windsor Framework.
* Strong command of Incoterms, taxation, and duty deferment.
* 10+ years of leadership in global trade compliance, managing cross‑regional teams and complex stakeholder environments.
* Proven skill in multi‑model logistics supplier management, contract negotiation, and annual budget planning.
* Experience managing direct customer interfaces and supply chain collaboration.
* Awareness of warehousing operations, distribution networks and IT systems.
* Degree level education or equivalent professional experience.
Desirable Experience
* Working knowledge of SAP.
* Professional certifications such as Customs Broker Licence, Certified Customs Specialist, AEO or CTPAT.
Benefits
* Competitive Salary
* Cash Car Allowance
* 25 days Annual Leave + Birthday Off
* 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt‑in / 9.5% employer contribution
* Hybrid & Flexible Working – 4 days in the office / 1 day WFH
* Flexible Holiday Option – buy 5 additional days each calendar year
* Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
* Life Assurance Cover
* Critical Illness Cover
* Private Medical Insurance
* Learning & Development Opportunities
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