Freight & Trade Compliance Specialist

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.

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

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.

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