Continental
Customs & Compliance Specialist
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Company Description Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.
With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.
Job Description
THE ROLE:
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC, Irish Revenue, Windsor Agreement, EU Customs and other applicable trade and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee and monitor all import and export customs activities, ensuring accurate declarations, documentation, tariff classifications, customs valuations, origin determinations and duty calculations.
- Maintain and continuously improve the Internal Control and Customs Compliance Management System (CCMS), ensuring all identified risks are properly mitigated, and all relevant controls are implemented, monitored and effectively maintained.
- Maintain AEO accreditation and all relevant customs authorisations, ensuring adherence to the requirements of HMRC and other regulatory authorities.
- Lead internal customs and compliance audits, support HQ audit requirements and act as the primary contact for external audits and inspections conducted by HMRC, Irish Revenue, the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control, Chambers of Commerce and other regulatory bodies.
- Work closely with Finance, local operational stakeholders and Central Customs to resolve any relevant Customs compliance and any relevant issues (import duties, VAT, Customs Broker documentation) as a priority, ensuring timely escalation, accurate reporting and compliance at all times.
- Provide customs-related reporting, compliance metrics and performance indicators to Group Customs and senior management as required.
- Drive continuous improvement, process documentation and standardisation, automation initiatives and compliance awareness across the business to strengthen governance and operational efficiency.
- Lead or support customs, trade compliance and broader regulatory projects, while providing expert guidance and ad-hoc support to the business as required.
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RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES INCLUDE
Customs Management:
- Oversee accurate and timely import/export customs declarations for the UK and Ireland, ensuring correct classification, valuation, origin, duty and VAT treatment.
- Ensure customs clearance documentation is complete, accurate, retained correctly and available for audit purposes.
- Manage relationships with customs brokers, shipping agents, logistics providers, HMRC, Revenue Commissioners and other relevant authorities.
- Monitor changes in customs legislation and ensure business processes are updated accordingly.
- Act as Customs Coordinator to represent local entity to communicate with HMRC and with Central function, and connect with any relevant projects.
- Maintain and optimise customs authorisations and simplifications, including AEO, customs warehousing and postponed VAT accounting.
- Work with Finance and operational teams to ensure accurate customs reporting, duty payments, VAT treatment and HMRC MSS reconciliation.
- Identify opportunities to reduce customs costs, improve efficiency and support automation of customs processes, including but limited to Free Trade Agreements analysis, implementation of Special Programs or systems implementations.
- Act as local key user for future Customs system implementation.
Regulatory & Operational Compliance:
- Develop, implement and maintain customs, trade and wider regulatory compliance policies, procedures and control documentation.
- Ensure adherence to Group Customs, HQ Compliance, statutory requirements and relevant corporate standards.
- Lead and support internal and external audits, providing required documentation, evidence and corrective action plans.
- Ensure legal and regulatory requirements are met to obtain and maintain relevant customs authorisations, certifications and accreditations.
- Identify, investigate and resolve compliance issues, discrepancies, audit findings and control deficiencies.
Risk Management & Governance:
- Conduct monthly customs transactional data and risk assessments across customs, trade, product compliance and wider regulatory activity.
- Manage and monitor the Internal Control and Customs Compliance Management System, ensuring identified controls are maintained, reviewed and evidenced.
- Maintain effective controls, SOPs, fallback processes and governance frameworks to reduce operational and compliance risk.
- Perform periodic checks and reviews of declarations, classifications, valuations, origin determinations and supporting documentation.
- Ensure corrective actions are implemented where compliance gaps or control weaknesses are identified.
- Report compliance risks, audit outcomes, control effectiveness and performance indicators to senior leadership and Group Customs.
- Promote a culture of compliance, risk awareness and continuous improvement across the business.
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Stakeholder Engagement:
- Partner with Supply Chain, Finance, Procurement, Commercial, Operations and Accounts Payable to embed compliance into daily processes.
- Act as the key contact for customs and compliance queries, providing practical guidance to internal stakeholders.
- Work closely with Group Customs, Export Control, regional compliance teams and external advisors to ensure alignment with corporate and regulatory requirements.
- Train and update teams on customs, trade and compliance requirements in a clear and practical way.
- Build strong relationships with external service providers, authorities, auditors and professional advisors to support compliant and efficient operations.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in customs operations and trade compliance, ideally in a distribution or automotive/tyre-related sector.
- Strong understanding of UK and EU customs regulations, Incoterms, duty reliefs, and cross-border processes.
- Experience working with any Customs System (e.g. SAP GTS).
- High attention to detail with the ability to balance operational urgency and regulatory accuracy.
- Strong communication skills and confidence to work with senior stakeholders.
Additional Information
- This is a hybrid full-time role with 3 days in the office, based in our head office at Botanica Ditton Park (Datchet) and will report into Business Governance & Support Services Manager Loredana Bugan.
- If you wish to apply, please send your CV and a cover letter via Continental Internal Jobs Portal.
- The closing date for this vacancy is 7th August 2026.
- Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.
Leadership Level: Leading Self
Legal Entity: Continental Tyre Group Ltd. (0035)
Referral Bonus: Yes
Working Time: Full Time
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