Manufacturing | Trade Compliance Leadership Role
Location: Office-based in Gloucestershire with hybrid working, UK – 3 Days WFO
I am supporting a well-established UK manufacturing business operating in regulated international markets.
Due to internal re-organisation, I'm seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to lead and strengthen the trade compliance function across UK operations. This is a critical, hands-on leadership role with accountability for customs, export controls, and regulatory compliance, supporting both operational delivery and international trade activity.
The role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership as part of a group trade compliance team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Full ownership of UK trade compliance across UK sites
* Ensure compliance with UK, EU and US export controls and customs regulations
* Lead customer screening and KYC processes using third-party tools
* Ownership of tariff classification, country of origin and customs valuation
* Management of inward and outward processing authorisations
* Act as primary contact for HMRC and regulatory audits
* Maintain audit-ready documentation and ERP data integrity
* Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the business
* Lead, coach and develop a small specialist compliance team
* Deliver training and guidance to operational and commercial teams
* Own the UK trade compliance cost centre and duty optimisation
* Support group compliance activities
Requirements:
* Minimum three years’ experience in international trade compliance
* A degree or trade compliance qualification is strongly preferred
* Strong understanding of customs, export controls and sanctions
* Experience within manufacturing or engineered products environments
* Confident decision-maker with close attention to regulatory detail
* ERP experience, such as SAP, preferred
* Able to operate hands-on while leading a specialist team
* High integrity with a compliance-first mindset
* Must be willing to be office-based 3 days per week
Why Apply:
* Business-critical leadership role with real authority
* Working as part of an international trade compliance team
* Strong investment in training and professional development
* Long-established organisation with international reach
* Balanced role combining technical expertise and leadership