Customs Compliance Assistant Manager

About Us: At Abbott, we help people live more fully at all stages of life. Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 130 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health.

Abbott Diabetes Care designs, develops, and manufactures leading-edge blood glucose monitoring technology for use in both home and hospital settings, including our revolutionary Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System.

The Opportunity

Are you ready to lead strategic customs operations in a global healthcare company? Abbott Diabetes Care is seeking a Customs Compliance Assistant Manager to support and lead our UK Customs Center of Excellence. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll drive regulatory compliance, optimize customs processes, and collaborate across international teams—all while contributing to innovations that improve lives. This role is based full time onsite in Witney.

As Customs Compliance Assistant Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading UK Customs Operations: Oversee daily customs activities across all UK affiliates, ensuring full compliance with HMRC and global trade regulations.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of four customs professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Process Optimization: Identify and implement improvements to streamline import/export operations and enhance efficiency.
• Risk Management: Proactively assess and mitigate customs and trade compliance risks.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, suppliers, customs authorities, logistics providers, and brokers.
• Training & Development: Design and deliver customs compliance training across UK affiliates.
• Reporting & Analysis: Provide senior leadership with insights through detailed reports on compliance, performance, and operational metrics.
• Special Procedures & Classification: Support product classification, origin reviews, and special customs procedures.
• Broker Oversight: Ensure broker performance through SLA and KPI reviews, and provide strategic feedback to leadership.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the go-to expert on customs valuation, classification, and procedures in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Proven experience in customs operations and compliance, ideally within a multinational or regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of UK Customs regulations and international trade laws.
• Leadership experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in customs software and ERP systems (SAP, SAGE, AS400) desired.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Customs Specialist) are a plus.
• A bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business Administration, or related field is preferred—but equivalent experience is valued.
  
  

What We Offer

At Abbott, we’re committed to helping you live your best life—both professionally and personally. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:

• A defined-contribution pension scheme.
• Share ownership opportunities.
• Private healthcare and life assurance.
• A flexible benefits package tailored to your needs.
• A dynamic, inclusive work environment with opportunities for career growth.
• Access to a variety of wellness initiatives at our Witney site, including onsite allotments, couch-to-5k campaigns, beekeeping, yoga, and more.
  
  

Join a global leader in healthcare innovation and be part of a team that’s making a real difference in people’s lives.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com or https://www.ie.abbott/, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

Abbott is an equal opportunities employer