Import and Customs Compliance Manager

Career Area:
Supply Chain and Logistics
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Job Title: Import and Customs Compliance Manager
Salary: £57,737 per annum + dependent upon experience
Location: Peterborough & Birchwood
Benefits:
25 days annual leave + 8 Bank Holidays
Up to 12% Bonus
Contributory pension scheme - Caterpillar will double the employee's contribution Up to 10%
Contributory share scheme - Caterpillar will match 50% of the employee's contribution.
Optional flexible benefits including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease, holiday purchase.
About IPSD
Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (IPSD) designs, tests and manufactures 0.5 to 18L Cat® and Perkins engines that power over 5000 applications including Marine, Petroleum, Industrial Applications, Electric Generators, and Locomotives. Caterpillar’s company strategy includes sustainability as one of four focus areas and IPSD is engaged and actively preparing green energy solutions for the future.
Job Summary
An exciting opportunity to lead the Perkins Engines Peterborough and Birchwood Aftermarket Imports Team, with overall responsibility for the import operations and customs compliance procedures associated with goods imported into the UK.
This role is critical to ensuring the compliant, efficient, and timely importation of goods, supporting supply chain continuity and the fulfilment of customer demand. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence through the continuous improvement of import processes, ensuring goods are customs cleared and delivered to designated customs warehouses in a compliant, efficient, and timely manner. The position also has overall accountability for the management and oversight of customs operational and compliance activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance standards. This includes monitoring compliance performance, mitigating customs risks, and supporting audit readiness across the import function
Leveraging specialist expertise in customs and international trade, the manager will provide leadership and guidance to the team in the planning, development, implementation, and operation of systems and processes that ensure:
Accurate declaration and payment of customs duties and taxes.
Effective management of customs authorisation regimes, including Inward Processing (IP) and Customs Warehousing (CW).
Continuous enhancement of customs controls, compliance procedures, and operational efficiency.
Alignment with evolving customs legislation, government requirements, and corporate compliance standards.
Additional Info
Limited domestic travel required (10% of working time).
What You Will Do
Lead and manage Perkins' Inward Processing (IP), Customs Warehousing (CW), and Simplified Customs Declaration Procedures (SCDP) authorisations, ensuring full compliance with UK customs legislation.
Oversee import customs operations, including customs declaration management, customs broker governance, and performance management.
Develop and enhance customs policies, procedures, controls, standard work, and audit programmes to meet regulatory, business, and corporate requirements.
Manage the company's customs deferment account and support customs-related financial reporting and controls.
Serve as the primary point of contact for customs compliance, providing guidance on import regulations, tariff classification, customs valuation, origin, and duty relief regimes.
Partner with divisional and enterprise trade compliance teams to support strategic business initiatives impacted by international trade regulations.
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across Supply Chain, Logistics, Purchasing, Engineering, and Finance to ensure compliance and operational alignment.
Monitor regulatory developments and implement changes to customs processes, controls, and business practices as required.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, compliance awareness, and capability development through coaching, training, and process optimisation initiatives.
Ensure accurate customs record-keeping and audit readiness through effective management of customs documentation and compliance reporting.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen compliance controls, and maximise duty recovery through Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
Manage relationships with customs brokers, suppliers, carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to support the efficient movement of goods.
Oversee customs-related insurance claims and support risk management activities where applicable.
Lead, develop, and motivate the Imports Team, managing performance through KPIs, compliance metrics, workload planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What You Have
Proven experience in customs compliance, import operations, and customs authorisation regimes, including Customs Warehousing and Inward Processing.
Strong working knowledge of UK customs regulations, including customs classification, customs valuation, origin requirements, and duty relief regimes.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly articulate compliance requirements and influence decision-making across all levels of the organisation.
Strong analytical and data management skills, with the ability to gather, interpret, and present complex data to support operational and compliance decisions. Experience with data analytics tools is advantageous.
Proven problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to identify root causes, assess risks, and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to contribute to operational, tactical, and strategic business objectives.
Demonstrated decision-making and critical thinking skills, enabling sound judgement in complex or time-sensitive situations.
Experience using ERP and customs systems, including SAP, QAD EE, Customs Duty Management systems, and the UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS).
Previous people management experience, including performance management, coaching, talent development, and driving improvements in team and business performance.
Relevant customs, international trade, or compliance qualifications from a recognised professional body are highly desirable.