Imports Team Manager

£68,200* up to £99,000* per annum | 35 days) holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

Everyone who works at Lidl bring something unique to the table – but we also have a whole lot in common. We’re assertive, adaptable, and always go the extra mile to support our team.

Our Imports and Customs department at Lidl GB is growing, and we are now hiring for a Team Manager Imports. You’ll will develop, co-ordinate and oversee effective implementation and operation of international trade controls and processes whilst managing the daily inbound movement of Food and non-food working closely with the Head of Customs and Import.

You’ll be a Senior Imports professional who has experience in regulatory compliance in relation to food and no food importing business activities from the EU and non-EU countries. You’ll address trade compliance issues to mitigate import compliance risks and work closely with all stakeholders to ensure non-UK entities follow all the international and national regulations for the movement of goods.

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Enjoy three days in the office and two at home, helping you find the work/life balance that truly works for you.

Your role

• Leading the Imports Team with full responsibility of all operational processes and systems
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Managing the liaison between regulatory bodies, trade partners and relevant internal departments PHA/DEFRA /Customs providers
• Identifying risks and opportunities in Lidl GB’s complex supply chain
• Supporting relevant stakeholders in scenario planning and modelling Border control scenarios and requirements and their impact on all business areas
• Building and maintaining operational relationships with customs brokers
• Planning and managing multiple complex projects in deadline-driven environment
• Understanding the objectives and the impact of projects on the business and driving solutions to business-critical issues
• Developing, implementing, and optimising processes, systems, policies and standards
• Providing regular status reports up to Board level

Your profile

• Previous experience of working in a FMCG environment is essential
• Working at a similar level will be essential requirement
• You will possess the following qualifications - CILT Level 6 supply chain, Masters in Logistics /Degree Level relevant, Min Level 5/Grad Customs Qualifications
• Proven line management experience
• Working knowledge and experience of BTOM /Brexit border controls
• Extensive knowledge of import from EU/ ROE countries, particularly with EHC /CHED P/IUU documentation and certificates needed for goods to enter the UK in a rapidly evolving compliance landscape
• Experience of Food importing, Chilled , Ambient, Frozen, Non-food and Excise (Wines and Spirits)
• Good knowledge of Customs and Excise regulations
• Experience with customs authorisations
• Previous experience building processes and structures.
• Comfortable working with a complex system landscape, including SAP, GTS and customs broker systems such as CDS, Descartes
• Knowledge and experience of using PHA systems, GVMS ,PHILLIS , TRACES
• Able to utilise existing networks and connections to build strong relationships with industry bodies
• Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with employees across all levels of the business
• Excellent project management skills to be able to work collaboratively with a range of Internal and external stakeholders to complete a project successfully
• Ability to understand and present complex issues clearly and concisely
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Solid presentation skills, comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders at all levels

Our offer

This isn't getting by. This is getting what you deserve. Working at Lidl is rewarding, in every sense, because we give you the extensive training to succeed in your role and plenty of opportunities to progress your career here. We're proud to offer a competitive salary starting from £68,200* with the potential to earn up to £99,000* (depending on experience) with 35 days’ holiday per year (pro rata). We also recognise that different people value different benefits, based on different lifestyles and needs, which is why we offer arrange of additional benefits including but not limited to:

• Barista Bar, restaurant, and free onsite gym
• On-site Car Parking (including electric charging in each space)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 10% in-store discount card

To find out a Lidl bit more visit our benefits page to see for yourself!

*includes 10% non-contractual London Weighting allowance

You’re Lidl like us. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment

Please note your employment is conditional upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory references and if requested by the Company, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.