Enable job alerts via email!

Trade Compliance Manager

MacTaggart, Scott and Company

United Kingdom

On-site

GBP 45,000 - 60,000

Full time

30+ days ago

Generate a tailored resume in minutes

Land an interview and earn more. Learn more

Job summary

A prominent international firm in Loanhead, Scotland, is seeking a skilled Trade Compliance Manager to oversee compliance activities. Responsibilities include ensuring adherence to trade regulations, managing export documentation, and leading the Trade Compliance team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of UK and international trade compliance regulations, along with excellent communication skills. This full-time role offers a flexible working week and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Healthy Work-Life Balance

Flexible working hours

Learning and Development support

Wellbeing program

Onsite canteen

Employee discounts

Life insurance and sick pay

Qualifications

Proven experience managing customs authorisations and export controls.
Ability to develop procedures and train others.
Detailed understanding of trade compliance requirements across imports, exports, and licensing matters.

Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with HMRC authorisations and manage import/export documentation.
Monitor and implement trade compliance processes.
Lead audits and training across the business.

Skills

Strong knowledge of UK and international trade compliance regulations

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Proactive and detail-oriented

Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office tools

Overview

Join Our Management Team: Trade Compliance Manager. We are seeking a highly skilled Trade Compliance Manager to oversee compliance activities within Mactaggart Scott & Company Limited (MTS). This role will be responsible for ensuring that all trade compliance requirements are met, including management of international shipping procedures, liaison with freight forwarders and agents, and the recording and archiving of all export and import documentation. The holder will work independently with minimal supervision and report directly to the Commercial Director as part of the Commercial function.

About us

MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.

What is the job about?

This role ensures full compliance with UK and international trade regulations, managing HMRC authorisations (Inward/Outward Processing, Customs Warehousing, CDS) and export licences. The post-holder oversees import/export documentation, financial processes, and advises on trade compliance during bids, promoting best practices across the business. They develop and implement compliance procedures, monitor regulatory changes, and lead the Trade Compliance team through training and stakeholder engagement. Success is measured by maintaining full compliance and ensuring smooth, cost-effective import/export operations.

Responsibilities

Maintain compliance with HMRC authorisations including Inward/Outward Processing, Customs Warehouse, and Simplified Declaration processes
Oversee the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and EORI data management, coordinating closely with Finance on deferment accounts
Manage UK export licences via SPIRE/LITE systems and liaise with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Ensure all import/export documentation, procedures, and records meet HMRC and export control regulations
Monitor and implement trade compliance processes aligned with UK and international legislation
Advise and support internal teams with compliance guidance, taxation, and duty implications for bids and projects
Lead audits, reporting, and training across the business to drive awareness and best practice
Supervise and develop the Trade Compliance Officer to ensure efficient daily operations

Qualifications

Strong knowledge of UK and international trade compliance regulations (HMRC, DBT, BIS, DDTC)
Proven experience managing customs authorisations, export controls, and trade systems
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Ability to develop procedures, train others, and work cross-functionally
Proactive and detail-oriented, with strong organisational and problem-solving skills

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred and experience working within previous trade compliance role(s)
Detailed understanding trade compliance requirements across imports, exports, ITAR/EAR and all licencing matters
Ability to meet demanding deadlines
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong customer service focus
Leadership, decision making, and communication skills
High degree of accuracy and good problem solving aptitude
Effective people management and influencing skills
High level of experience and understanding of UK import and export controls and necessary working practices
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools
Experience of HMRC Customs Warehousing, Inward Processing Relief, Outward processing and Simplified Customs Declaration Process

Desirable

HMRC reporting experience
Experience of UK DBT, SPIRE and LITE working practices
Good knowledge of US export ITAR/EAR controls, Manufacturing Licensing Agreements (MLAs) and Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs)
Experience working in defence, aerospace or other highly regulated industries

Benefits

As part of our Healthy Work-Life Balance employees can choose between a 4- or 5-day working week. Flexible hours between 07:00 and 19:00, with core hours 09:30 - 15:30
Leave policy includes annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, plus more
Supportive environment with Learning and Development team
Wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Programme, and onsite nurse
Onsite canteen, free parking, and cycle-to-work scheme
Generation pension plan, employee discounts, and free flu vaccinations
Health & wellbeing program and life insurance; sick pay

Seniority level