Chris Thomas MCIEx

Experience

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  MPL Powerware Systems Ltd (Exide Electronics)

  May 1995 - Aug 1996

  Company Shipping / Import Administrator & Credit Controller

  Sole credit controller and responsible for import / export functions.

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  Oxford Instruments

  Feb 1997 - Feb 2005

  Senior Shipping Administrator

  Managed a team of shipping administrators, providing them with training, and responsibilities to achieve required results. Exporting & importing between our subsidiary companies, and end users worldwide, ensuring the use of correct customs documentation.Arranged for Pre-shipment inspections via SGS & ITS. Used correct CPC, & Tariffs to classify goods. Experienced in IATA Dangerous Goods, for shipping 9 hazard classes such as hazardous detectors, containing liquid nitrogen and magnetized material.Trained in Customs Procedures, Export Documentation, & Letters of Credits. Show less

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  Safran

  Feb 2005 - Sept 2014

  Import / Export Control Manager

  Responsible for the overall trade compliance for the UK site.Managed a team of administrators.Ensured that all shipments are compliant for UK (EU) and US (EAR & ITAR) export controls.Managed the company IPR authorisation for all imports.Worked with IT to ensure ERP systems produced correctly worded documents.Maintained department KPIs.Trained UK and US key depts on export control requirements. Continuous Improvement (LEAN) trained.Maintained 100% BIS (UK Government) audit compliance record.Assisted in the SAP / GTS implementation.Trained as Anti-Corruption Officer as a result of UK Bribery Act 2010.Denied Parties Screening through GTS and MK Denial / Visual Compliance. Show less

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  McCormick & Company

  Sept 2014 - Dec 2016

  International Trade Compliance Specialist EMEA

  Responsible for the Trade Compliance for the UK / EMEA region.Ensured that all food products are correctly classified and customs valuations performed.Complied with various foods regulations - DEFRA / RPA / FSA / FDA.Provided training to key depts relating to the food industry.Anti-Boycott requirements.AEO (F) administration.Cost savings / avoidance and process improvements.Managed duty preferences, trade agreements, tariff quotas, duty suspensions.Use of SAP /GTS. Use of Microsoft and Lotus Notes Workflows.Conducted Import and Export audits.KPIs and SOX controls.Denied Parties Screening via GTS and OCRCompleted the Institute of Export - Diploma in International Trade in December 2015.Completed 3 months Informal Leadership Program in 2016. Show less

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  Burberry

  Jan 2017 - May 2017

  Trade Compliance Specialist

  Management of a bonded warehouse in Italy via Ricardo customs system.Import audits.Customs clearances and responding to associated queries.Product classification.Assist project manager with new AEO application.

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  Cisco

  Jun 2017 - Apr 2024

  International Trade Manager

  Responsible for customs brokerage performance in the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia region - 41 counties, as well as global trade support.Brexit preparation / guidance.Country trade management, such as trade disruption and product compliance resolutions.PRINCE2 Project management training.

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  Accrofab

  Jul 2024 - now

  Head of Trade Compliance

  Managing the trade compliance for Accrofab, overseeing export control, customs matters, import, IPR, compliance training, and denied parties screening.• Implemented streamlined processes to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize risks for the company.• Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement trade compliance strategies, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings.