Trade Compliance Specialist

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. Operating in more than 40 countries, we help some of the world's leading manufacturers improve performance, efficiency and sustainability.

 

We are looking for an EMEA Trade Compliance Specialist to join our Global Trade Compliance team.

This role is ideal for a trade compliance professional who enjoys driving change, improving processes and partnering with the business to build a proactive compliance culture. While supporting trade compliance activities across Europe, you will also contribute to global projects and initiatives that help strengthen and standardize our approach to trade compliance worldwide.

 

Location: Flexible location in Spain, UK, the Netherlands, Germany or France.

 

What You'll Do

• Provide guidance and support on customs, import/export and trade compliance matters across the business.
• Lead and support initiatives that strengthen, simplify and modernize trade compliance processes, controls and ways of working.
• Act as a subject matter expert on European customs regulations, including post-Brexit trade requirements and their impact on business operations.
• Manage and maintain trade compliance data, including tariff classifications, country of origin and related customs information within ERP systems.
• Support preferential and non-preferential origin determinations, supplier declarations and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) analyses.
• Partner with customs brokers, suppliers, customers, logistics providers and relevant government authorities to ensure compliant and efficient cross-border trade.
• Monitor and assess regulatory developments, translating requirements into practical business solutions.
• Gather, structure and analyze data from multiple sources to identify compliance risks, trends and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, Operations, Finance, Legal and R&D teams to embed trade compliance requirements into business processes.
• Contribute to regional and global trade compliance projects and initiatives, driving consistency, harmonization and best practices across the organization.
• Help shift the organization from reactive issue resolution to a proactive, risk-based approach to trade compliance.

 

What We're Looking For

 

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in customs, international trade or trade compliance within a multinational environment.
• Strong experience with European customs regulations and cross-border trade within the EU.
• Demonstrated experience managing trade compliance activities impacted by Brexit, including customs procedures, origin considerations and UK-EU trade requirements.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Preferential and non-preferential origin
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Rules of Origin
• Supplier declarations
• Import and export compliance
• Customs regulations and procedures
• Export controls and broader trade compliance activities
• Proven ability to independently assess and resolve moderately complex customs and trade compliance matters.
• Experience partnering with functions such as Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, Logistics and Operations to support international trade activities.
• Demonstrated success driving process improvements, implementing change and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience supporting regional or global projects, transformations, system implementations or process harmonization initiatives is highly desirable.
• Experience within chemical manufacturing is preferred. Candidates from other highly regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, medical devices, aerospace, defense, automotive, energy or industrial manufacturing, are also encouraged to apply.

 

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of customs regulations, international trade requirements and import/export processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply Rules of Origin and documentary requirements for preferential treatment under trade agreements.
• Ability to understand product attributes and apply trade regulations appropriately within a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
• Experience working with ERP systems; knowledge of JD Edwards (JDE) and Oracle Global Trade Management (GTM) is an advantage.
• Ability to gather, structure and analyze data from multiple sources to support decision-making and compliance initiatives.

 

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, Law or a related field.

 

Languages

• Fluent English, written and spoken.
• An additional European language is an advantage.

 

What Will Make You Successful

• You are proactive and focus on preventing issues rather than simply resolving them.
• You enjoy driving change, improving processes and creating sustainable solutions.
• You build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across functions, countries and organizational levels.
• You combine technical trade compliance expertise with commercial and operational awareness.
• You are comfortable working in multinational, cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.
• You thrive in a global, matrixed environment and enjoy contributing to regional and global initiatives.
• You can translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.

 

What's In It For You?

• Comprehensive benefits package, including pension and wellbeing initiatives
• Volunteer leave through our Global Giving programme
• Access to continuous learning and development through QH University
• Career growth opportunities within a global organization
• DEI and Recognition initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen and PRIDE CRGs, our Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.
• A collaborative culture where we truly do great things together

 

Who are we?

 

We are a global leader in industrial process and mechanical engineering present in 40+ countries. We are continually improving and innovating so the world’s industrial manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our engineers, chemists, and industry experts partner with our customers to play a key role in helping them run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.

 

Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Act with integrity and Do Great Things Together.

 

Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.

 

Join the team and find your future!

 

EEO: Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.