Customs and Indirect Tax Compliance Manager

Leonardo is hiring a Customs and Indirect Tax Compliance Manager in Yeovil on a permanent hybrid basis. Reporting to the Senior Tax Manager, the role is central to ensuring compliance with customs regulations and VAT legislation across the business. The postholder will work closely with divisional teams and trade compliance colleagues to oversee customs processes, VAT reporting, and indirect tax controls.

The customs and trade side of the role includes supervising monthly reconciliations for Postponed VAT Accounting and deferment accounts, reviewing import and export documentation, checking tariff classifications and customs valuation, and supporting the use of duty reliefs and special procedures such as customs warehousing and temporary import regimes. The role also involves coordinating with logistics and freight partners, keeping current with customs rules and trade agreements, and identifying process automation and improvement opportunities.

On VAT compliance, the manager will prepare, review, and submit UK and international VAT returns, oversee VAT account reconciliations, maintain audit-ready records, and advise on complex cross-border transactions. They will monitor legislative changes, support audits, liaise with tax authorities, and help implement any required process or systems updates.

The position also has a strong advisory element, providing VAT and customs training and guidance to teams including procurement, sales, logistics, accounts payable, and outsourced providers. Leonardo is seeking a professionally qualified candidate or equivalent experience, with strong UK and EU VAT and customs knowledge, SAP and Excel capability, and experience dealing with HMRC or similar authorities. The company offers a broad benefits package, hybrid working, bonus eligibility, strong pension contributions, and learning and wellbeing support.