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.

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.
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 ForExperience5+ years of experience in customs, international trade or trade compliance within a multinational environment.
Demonstrated experience managing trade compliance activities impacted by Brexit, including customs procedures, origin considerations and UK-EU trade requirements.
Preferential and non-preferential originFree Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Rules of OriginImport and export complianceCustoms regulations and proceduresExport controls and broader trade compliance activitiesProven ability to independently assess and resolve moderately complex customs and trade compliance matters.
Experience supporting regional or global projects, transformations, system implementations or process harmonization initiatives is highly desirable.
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 SkillsStrong understanding of customs regulations, international trade requirements and import/export processes.




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.
EducationBachelor's degree or equivalent experience in International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, Law or a related field.
LanguagesFluent English, written and spoken.
You combine technical trade compliance expertise with commercial and operational awareness.
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.
Comprehensive benefits package, including pension and wellbeing initiativesVolunteer leave through our Integral Giving programmeAccess to continuous learning and development through QH UniversityCareer growth opportunities within a global organizationDEI and Recognition initiatives such as Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen and PRIDE CRGs, our Global Giving and Impact Awards programs.
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. Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions. #

📌 Regulatory Affairs Specialist, EMEA (Santiago de Compostela)
🏢 Quaker Houghton
📍 Santiago de Compostela