UK Trade Operations Team Leader
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire. Hybrid working options.
Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments.
Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 70 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 20,000 professionals in 130 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2026 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree. For more information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com.
Are you an experienced trade or logistics professional with a passion for leadership and continuous improvement? We're looking for a UK Trade Operations Team Leader to take ownership of our UK export and import operations, ensuring goods move compliantly, efficiently, and on time across global markets.
In this key leadership role, you'll lead a high-performing team, coordinate with logistics partners and customs providers, and act as the operational expert who keeps international trade flowing smoothly.
What You'll Be Doing
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Leading, coaching, and developing the UK Trade Operations team.
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Managing day-to-day export and import activities across UK sites.
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Acting as the first point of escalation for trade execution, customs, and shipment issues.
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Coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, hauliers, shipping lines, and 4PL providers to deliver seamless operations.
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Ensuring compliance with customs regulations, export/import requirements, and Incoterms.
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Monitoring performance, driving operational excellence, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
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Working closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Customer Service, and external partners to deliver outstanding service.
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Supporting business transformation and process optimisation projects.
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Occasional travel required (typically only a few days per year).
What We're Looking For
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A-Level education (or equivalent).
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Experience in Export/Import Operations, Logistics, Trade Operations, or Customer Service within an international environment.
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Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.
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Strong understanding of export/import documentation, customs processes, and Incoterms.
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Experience working with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other logistics partners.
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SAP R/3 experience.
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Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
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Supply Chain, Logistics, or Customer Service qualification (preferred but not essential).
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Manufacturing sector experience.
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Knowledge of Order-to-Cash (OTC) processes and Inward Processing Relief (IPR).
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Experience delivering process improvements and cost optimisation initiatives.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a critical trade operations function, influence key business outcomes, and make a real impact on our global supply chain. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy building high-performing teams while driving operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
What We Offer
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Competitive base salary, Annual bonus scheme and Enhanced company pension scheme
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Private healthcare and Life assurance
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Employee Assistance
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Multi-faith room
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Ongoing training, development and support
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Onsite parking (some bays with EV Charging Points)
Join Us
At Solenis, we're proud of our purpose-driven culture and our commitment to innovation and sustainability. If you're ready to take your account management career to the next level while making a positive environmental impact, we'd love to hear from you.
We understand that not every candidate will possess every desired qualification listed above. If your experience varies from our outlined requirements, yet you believe you can bring value to the role, we encourage you to apply and share your unique perspective with us.
At Solenis, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. We offer attractive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and abundant opportunities for professional growth and development. If you're passionate about working for a world-class company and enjoy tackling complex challenges, we invite you to consider joining our team.
Solenis is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
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