Gisela Schmidt

Compliance specialist with deep knowledge of UK customs, excise controls, and audit-ready governance. Experienced engaging with HMRC, Border Force, and regulated industries to resolve complex compliance issues. Strong analytical skills, legislative interpretation, and capability to lead risk-mitigation and operational assurance in high-risk sectors.

Proven ability to support policy alignment, strengthen governance frameworks, and deliver clear, accurate compliance guidance across multi-site operations.

EMEA Trade & Compliance Manager - Dover Fueling Solutions - Dundee, UK (Hybrid)

(2025-07)

• Lead EMEA trade compliance operations across multiple branches, ensuring adherence to customs, export controls, excise, and regulatory requirements.
• Own compliance frameworks including Anti-Bribery & Corruption, Code of Conduct, Data Privacy, Third-Party Governance, and Visual Compliance screening.
• Conduct UBO checks and due diligence for suppliers and partners.
• Drive FTA/COO analysis, preferential origin calculations, and documentation.
• Deliver classification and import/export compliance training across cross-functional teams.
• Standardise customs processes across EMEA, improving accuracy, efficiency, and audit readiness.
• Played a key role in HMRC audit preparation (Feb 2026) with excellent results.
• Partner with internal/external stakeholders to resolve complex compliance issues and strengthen governance.
• Improved VAT accuracy and strengthened cashflow by correcting PVA usage.
• Reduced customs exposure by implementing compliant NI/ROI and Tooling Assist processes.
• Enhanced audit readiness through MSS standardisation and creation of audit tools.

Customs & Excise Manager - UK & Ireland - C&C Group (Tennents) - Glasgow, UK (Hybrid)

(2023-10 - 2025-06)

• Managed end-to-end customs and excise compliance for UK & Ireland, including clearance instructions, export entries, TSS entries, ARC documentation, tariff classification, MSS reconciliation, and duty-sensitive reporting.
• Maintained customs & excise SOPs, manuals, due-diligence packs, and letters of authority, ensuring alignment with UK/EU legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Reviewed deferment account reconciliation processes for imports and excise returns.
• Liaised with HMRC, Irish Revenue, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders to resolve compliance issues and maintain strong regulatory relationships.
• Supported business development and operational projects, driving process improvement across duty-sensitive activities.
• Attended trade body meetings, representing customs & excise compliance interests.
• Increased drawback recovery and profit by correcting duty rates and revising historical claims.
• Mapped and improved Duty Drawback processes, reducing compliance risk.
• Strengthened excise capability across teams through targeted training.

Customs & Excise Coordinator - Edrington - Glasgow, UK (Hybrid)

(2023-05 - 2023-09)

• Acted as primary point of contact for HMRC queries, audits, and compliance reviews, providing clear documentation and regulatory assurance.
• Delivered continuous improvement across customs processes, SOPs, documentation quality, and governance controls.
• Supported excise warehouse compliance including ARC documentation, EX46/W5D filings, deferment account checks, and duty-related reporting.
• Ensured accuracy of excise movement records, stock evidence, and duty-sensitive documentation.

Customs Clerk - Bollore Logistics (CEVA) - Glasgow, UK (On-site)

(2021-12 - 2023-04)

• Created import/export entries using Descartes CDS.
• Ensured correct CPCs, tariff classification, and compliance with UK customs rules.
• Managed UCNs via DESTIN8/CNS and liaised with HMRC and port authorities.

Logistics & Customs Executive - Avtrade - Sayers Common, UK (On-site)

(2018-07 - 2021-06)

• Managed import/export processes, tariff classification, deferment accounts, VAT reconciliation, and export licence compliance for dual-use items.
• Managed end-to-end customs and excise compliance for UK & Ireland, including clearance instructions, export entries, TSS entries, ARC documentation, tariff classification, MSS reconciliation, and duty-sensitive reporting.
• Maintained customs & excise SOPs, manuals, due-diligence packs, and letters of authority, ensuring alignment with UK/EU legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Reviewed deferment account reconciliation processes for imports and excise returns.
• Liaised with HMRC, Irish Revenue, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders to resolve compliance issues and maintain strong regulatory relationships.
• Supported business development and operational projects, driving process improvement across duty-sensitive activities.
• Attended trade body meetings, representing customs & excise compliance interests.
• Supported AEO certification preparation through governance reviews, process mapping, and evidence pack creation.
• Applied Hazardous Substances Awareness knowledge when handling regulated goods.

Bilingual Customer Service Advisor - Google - Bournemouth, UK (On-site)

(2014-08 - 2018-06)

Customs Support Analyst - Super Muffato - Cascavel, BR (On-site)

(2008-01 - 2013-03)

Level 3 Certificate in Excise Practices & Procedures - Excise Practices & Procedures - Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade (2025)

Certificate - Export Licensing & Export Controls - UK Department for Business & Trade (2026)

TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading - Team Leading - NESCol (2023)

Certificate - Import/Export Procedures, Rules of Origin, Valuation, Classification - EU Customs Portal (2023 - 2026)

Certificate - CDS Exports - Descartes (2024)

Certification - Known Consignor - Known Consignor (2023)

Certificate - CDS - BIFA (2022)

Secondary Education Certificate - General Education - Brazil