Advocate Group
Freight & Trade Compliance Specialist
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Hybrid position - 3 days in Oxfordshire office
The Advocate Group are proud to be partnering with Ariat, a global leader in performance footwear, apparel and accessories, in the search for a Freight & Trade Compliance Specialist.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a market-leading consumer brand in a newly created role that will play a critical part in shaping Ariat's European transportation and trade compliance operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing new processes as the business transitions from a freight forwarder-led model to a directly managed freight operation, while ensuring efficient, cost-effective and compliant import activities across the UK and Europe.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the European 3PL & Operations Manager and working closely with US-based transportation and trade compliance teams, you'll take ownership of inbound freight operations and trade compliance activities across multiple transport modes. This is a strategic yet hands-on position with significant scope to influence processes, drive efficiencies and strengthen operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage inbound transportation operations across ocean, air, trucking and cross-border freight movements throughout the UK and Europe.
- Develop transportation strategies that improve service levels, optimise routing and reduce costs.
- Monitor carrier performance, forecasting accuracy, booking timeliness and operational KPIs.
- Lead trade compliance execution, ensuring adherence to UK and EU customs regulations and import requirements.
- Provide expertise on tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin and duty optimisation programmes.
- Partner with brokers, freight providers, suppliers and regulatory authorities to resolve transportation and customs issues.
- Support audits, regulatory enquiries and evolving sustainability and traceability initiatives.
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About You
We're looking for an experienced transportation, logistics or trade compliance professional who thrives in a fast-paced international environment. You'll ideally have:
- 3-5+ years' experience in transportation, logistics, customs or trade compliance.
- Strong knowledge of international transportation operations, carrier management and UK/EU import processes.
- Experience with UK Customs Declaration Service (CDS), EU customs platforms and the EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
- Expertise in tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin and duty optimisation.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Experience within retail, footwear, apparel or consumer goods supply chains would be highly advantageous.
- Ability to occasionally communicate outside of UK working hours with US-based colleagues
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Why Ariat?
Ariat is a globally recognised brand built on innovation, integrity, quality, respect and teamwork. You'll join a collaborative environment where you can make a tangible impact while developing your career within a growing international business.
Benefits Include:
- Company Bonus Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Critical Illness Cover
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Purchase Scheme
- Birthday Day Off
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Bring Your Dog to Work Policy
- Flexible Working Location Policy
- Free Onsite Parking with EV Charging Points
- Employee Volunteering Opportunities
- Referral Programme and more.
Interested in learning more? Apply directly or contact The Advocate Group for a confidential discussion.
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