Trade Compliance Manager

Arconic is currently in search of Trade Compliance Manager to join our Finance Team based in Kitts Green, Birmingham.  At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization. Job Summary: The Trade Compliance Manager ensures full compliance with UK/EU and global trade regulations while enabling efficient international trade across the business. The role sets import/export instruction restrictions, reviews and approves declarations, manages AEO/IPR requirements, oversees CBAM from both exporter and importer perspectives, and leads duty optimisation initiatives. The postholder is the primary liaison with HMRC, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and industry bodies, and partners with Sales, Legal, Finance, Operations, and Corporate Compliance to reduce risk, protect margin, and streamline processes.

 

Person Specification
Knowledge
•    Deep understanding of customs fundamentals: classification (GIR), customs valuation, origin/preference      (UK/EU TCA, GSP), licensing/controls, special procedures (IPR, end use).
•    Working knowledge of AEO standards, recordkeeping, and internal control frameworks.
•    Awareness of CBAM methodology and data requirements (importer & exporter perspectives).
•    Awareness of global sanctions regimes and screening best practices.
Experience
•    2-3 Years trade compliance experience
•    Leading HMRC interactions (audits, queries, voluntary disclosures).
•    Building/maintaining bills of discharge and internal audit trails.
•    Drafting sales T&Cs clauses with Legal; issuing formal compliance letters to customers/suppliers.
•    Delivering duty-saving initiatives (preference, tariff suspensions, classification optimisation).
•    Representing the business with DBT/TRA and industry associations.
Skills
•    Advanced analytical capability and attention to detail.
•    Clear written and verbal communication; able to translate regulation for non-specialists.
•    Influencing and negotiation with regulators, customers, and internal stakeholders.
•    Project management: planning, dependencies, risks, milestones, benefits tracking.
•    Systems & data savvy: Excel (lookups, pivot tables, data validation), ability to specify/report from ERP/TMS.
Behaviours
•    Integrity and sound judgement; confidential handling of sensitive data.
•    Proactive, improvement mindset; reduces complexity and “red tape”.
•    Resilient under pressure; calmly resolves issues to root cause.
•    Collaborative; builds trust across Finance, Operations, Sales, Legal, and Corporate Compliance.
•    Customer-focused while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Other
•    Able to travel within the UK and internationally for regulatory/industry meetings and audits when required.

In this role, you will:

Key Responsibilities

Import/Export Compliance

• Set and enforce import/export instruction restrictions and internal control procedures.
• Review and approve import and export entries as required; ensure accuracy of declarations (classification, origin, valuation, licenses).
• Monitor compliance with customs and foreign trade regulations (UK & EU), including recordkeeping, broker governance, and internal audits.
• Provide expert advice on tariff classification, origin & preference, duty reliefs, valuation as well as export and import licensing & international sanctions.

Regulatory Management & Audits

• Prepare and submit IPR (Inward Processing Relief) bills of discharge; maintain audit-ready records.
• Lead responses to HMRC audits and queries; coordinate corrective actions and Continuous Improvement plans.
• Track and brief senior management on UK legislative changes and global sanctions updates; ensure timely policy/process updates.
• Liaise with Corporate Compliance on new rules; provide advisory support to ensure consistent compliance across teams.

CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)

• Liaise and manage KG CBAM obligations for exports.
• Oversee and prepare for incoming UK CBAM requirements for imports; ensure data, methodology, and reporting are compliant.

Commercial Support & Governance

• Overlook sales Terms & Conditions; liaise with Legal to update clauses protecting Arconic (e.g., sanctions, export controls, force majeure).
• Issue compliance letters to customers/suppliers (origin, REACH/RoHS, dual-use, sanctions language).
• Provide regular trade updates to Sales, aligning customer communications.
• Assist Sales with compliance-related queries and tender responses.
• Overlook the set-up and due diligence of any new intermediaries (brokers, agents, logistics providers).
• Support NDA set-up and administration alongside Legal.

Duty Optimisation & Strategy

• Manage free trade & preference programmes; identify and realise duty savings for the business and customers.
• Lead or support tariff suspension applications and trade remedies (anti-dumping, safeguards) submissions/objections.
• Proactively evaluate new systems and streamline procedures to remove “red tape” and enhance control and efficiency.

Advocacy & Representation

• Act as the first point of contact for DBT; support lobbying in live trade agreement talks to protect the company’s ability to trade without barriers.
• Represent Arconic at TRA, DBT, and trade associations (e.g., Alfed, Make UK); travel in the UK and internationally as required.
• Actively participate in trade compliance/export control training days; design and deliver internal training.

 

You have: (required) 

Essential

• Experience in international transportation/customs, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK and EU trade compliance regulations.
• AEO and IPR knowledge and hands-on experience.
• Good organisational skills; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team in a pressurised environment.
• Computer literate in MS tools such as Excel, Word, Outlook.

Desirable

• Professional qualification in Customs Import/Export or International Trade (advantageous).
• Experience with sanctions screening, CBAM reporting, origin & preference management, and broker governance.
• Familiarity with ERP/TMS and/or trade compliance systems (e.g., origin/BTN modules, broker portals).

Arconic Corporation is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extrusions, as well as innovative architectural products, that advance the automotive, aerospace, commercial transportation, industrial and building and construction markets. Building on more than a century of innovation, Arconic helps to transform the way we fly, drive, and build.  We live our core values and commit to delivering sustainable value to our customers, our employees, our communities and our stakeholders.  At Arconic, we:  Act With Integrity : We lead with respect, honesty, transparency and accountability.  Safeguard our Future : We protect and improve the health and safety of our employees, communities and environment.  Grow Stronger Together : We cultivate an inclusive and diverse culture that advocates for equity.  Earn Customer Loyalty : We build customer partnerships through best-in-class products and service.  Drive Operational Excellence : We pursue continuous improvement through innovation, agility, people development and collaboration.  Create Value : We achieve success by generating and growing value for our stakeholders.