Job overview
We are a UK-based food business trading extensively with the EU and the rest of the world. We are seeking an experienced Senior Import / Export Administrator to join our team in Crewe.
This role is focused on import/export compliance, documentation accuracy, and audit-ready record keeping for EU food trade. It is not a logistics or shipping coordination role — haulier booking and warehouse arrangements are handled by existing staff.
The successful candidate will have strong experience in EU import/export administration, with particular emphasis on preferential origin, supplier declarations, Incoterms®, and post-Brexit trade compliance, and will be comfortable working with external customs agents.
Key responsibilities
* Maintain and control import and export compliance files for EU food movements ensuring adherence to all applicable regulations and legal standards
* Ensure correct application and evidence of preferential and non-preferential origin
* Manage, review, and refresh supplier declarations and origin documentation
* Review import/export documentation provided to and by external customs agents ensuring accurate declarations, classifications, valuation, origin and preferential trade compliance
* Apply and advise internally on Incoterms® 2020 from a compliance and risk perspective
* Ensure records are accurate, compliant, and audit-ready for HMRC, customs authorities and customers
* Maintain clear document retention, version control, and evidence trails
* Review SPS-related documentation where applicable to food imports
* Identify, document, and escalate compliance risks appropriately
* Monitor changes in import/export legislation and assess potential business impact
* Keep up to date with evolving customs legislation and trade procedures
Essential requirements
* Proven experience as an Import / Export Administrator, Senior Import / Export Administrator, or Trade Compliance Administrator
* Strong working knowledge of:
* EU–UK import and export regulations and procedures
* Preferential origin and Rules of Origin
* Supplier declarations and statements on origin, tariff classification, special procedures and duty reliefs
* Incoterms® 2020
* Tariffs and duties
* Experience working with customs agents or freight forwarders (CDS entries completed externally)
* Excellent attention to detail with a methodical, compliance-focused approach
* Confidence to challenge incorrect or incomplete trade information
* Able to work on-site in Crewe, Cheshire
Desirable
* Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) Level 3 qualification in International Trade
(or equivalent professional experience in import/export compliance)
What we offer
* Salary £34,000 – £37,000 depending on experience
* Full-time, Permanent, on-site role in a specialist EU food-trade environment
* Clear separation between trade compliance and logistics operations
* High-trust role with ownership of documentation and compliance files
* Supportive team and stable working environment
How to apply
Please apply with your CV via Indeed.
Candidates with experience in EU food import/export, trade compliance, origin documentation, or customs administration are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are committed to attracting, acquiring and retaining the best possible candidates in an equal and inclusive way that is consistent with employment legislation and best practice. We aim to select the best available person for every vacancy irrespective of age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and marital or civil partnership status.
Please note that candidates will be subject to the necessary right to work checks for the UK.
PLEASE NOTE WE RECEIVE A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS PER VACANCY AND UNFORTUNATELY CANNOT RESPOND TO ALL APPLICANTS. THEREFORE, IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN A MONTH FROM APPLICATION DATE, IT IS LIKELY THAT YOU HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL