Freight & trade compliance specialist

3 days office based in Harwell, Oxford

Job Details:

A new role created to set up processes and ways of working to transition from freight forwarder-based operation to directly managed freight. To lead transportation operations for inbound freight to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and reliable movement of goods, while maintaining compliant UK and EU import execution. Develop transportation strategies that improve service, reduce cost, optimize routing and carrier performance, and strengthen business continuity, with trade compliance requirements embedded into day-to-day execution. Provide trade compliance subject matter expertise on tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, preferential trade programs, and customs representation models impacting UK and European import operations. Partner with internal teams, suppliers, brokers, forwarders, and regulatory stakeholders to resolve transportation and customs issues, strengthen reporting and audit readiness, and support evolving sustainability and traceability requirements. This is a hands-on, highly organised role requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with colleagues in the US, with flexibility to provide support outside of standard UK working hours when required to accommodate West Coast time zones. Reporting to UK based 3PL and Logistics Manager and in collaboration with US based Sr Dr Transportation, Logistics and Trade Compliance.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Manage inbound transportation operations across ocean, air, drayage, trucking, and cross-border modes, including forecasting, booking accuracy, carrier performance, capacity planning, exception management, and service execution for UK and European import flows.
• Drive transportation planning, carrier and forwarder coordination, routing optimization, and cost-to-serve improvements to support on-time delivery, efficient cargo flow, and business continuity.
• Build and maintain transportation and trade reporting that monitors forecast accuracy, booking timeliness, carrier performance, on-time delivery, landed cost, customs exceptions, partner performance, and operational risk.
• Oversee trade compliance execution by coordinating customs documentation, broker alignment, Incoterms application, and adherence to UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS), EU declaration platforms, and country-specific import/export requirements.
• Lead application of tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, and duty optimization programs, including the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), GSP/DCTS, and special customs regimes where applicable, while directing brokers and representatives to improve filing accuracy and issue resolution.
• Serve as a key contact for audits, disclosures, and regulatory inquiries involving HMRC, Border Force, and relevant European customs authorities, while supporting readiness for emerging sustainability and traceability requirements.

About You:

Minimum 3-5 years of experience in transportation, logistics, customs, or trade compliance, with stronger emphasis on transportation planning and execution for international inbound operations and UK/EU imports. Strong working knowledge of transportation operations, carrier management, routing, Incoterms, and performance reporting, along with customs requirements, import/export controls, and governing trade laws across the UK and Europe. Practical expertise in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS), EU declaration platforms, and the application of tariff classification, customs valuation, and rules of origin. Preferred knowledge of AEO concepts, broker oversight, HMRC and EU customs audit expectations, and emerging sustainability-related trade requirements such as EUDR, ESPR, and Digital Product Passport. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and translate transportation and trade requirements into practical execution. Effective communication and collaboration skills, with proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and relevant transportation or trade systems such as SAP, TMS, Infor Nexus, Tableau, or GTS platforms. Experience in retail, footwear, apparel, or consumer goods supply chains is preferred; professional certifications such as IoE&IT qualifications, UK Customs Academy certification, CCS, or similar UK/European customs credentials are an advantage. Positive and team-oriented attitude.

Values:

Our values are ingrained in everything we do at Ariat and we believe this is what drives our success as individuals, as teams and, overall, as a Company.

• Innovation - Be bold and adventurous and try new things. Constantly challenge how you can create change for the better. Learn from the past and don’t let it limit you.
• Integrity - Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. Say what you mean and do what you say. Build trust through consistency, dependability and honesty.
• Quality - All work matters. Be proud of your work and strive to have it reflect your best and the best of Ariat.
• Respect - Communicate openly, directly and constructively. Recognise different perspectives and listen with an open mind. Be thoughtful in how you show up and interact with others.
• Teamwork - Create fun and joy and contribute to the Ariat family spirit. Focus on people’s strengths. Learn from others and share your own knowledge and experience. Ask for help when you need it and offer to help when others may need it.

Benefits:

• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health & Wellbeing Points Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Employee Purchase Scheme
• Employee Referral Programme
• Birthday day off
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Bring your dog to work scheme
• Employee Volunteering policy
• Working from a different location policy
• Free onsite Parking including 2 electric charging points