Customs Manager

Our client, a rapidly expanding 3rd Party Logistics Provider, specialising in the management of regular commercial freight logistics, and in providing comprehensive services for the movement of high-niche market products, are looking to recruit a Customs Manager to lead a Customs Brokerage team at a head office in the Heathrow Area.

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday with the flexibility of hybrid working

On Offer:

• A rapidly expanding and internationally diverse, sociable, dynamic organisation with a clear vision and strategy
• Fast paced environment with lots of room for creative freedom
• Offering a competitive salary of up to £70K / Flexibility with hybrid working - 2 days WFH

Main Purpose of the Customs Manager:

Reporting to senior management, the Customs Manager will oversee compliance with all customs regulations and standards while optimizing the company’s import and export processes. This role requires a deep understanding of customs laws, excellent leadership capabilities, and effective team management.

The Customs Manager will ensure adherence to all relevant regulations, including the Customs Act, ETSF, AEO compliance, DEFRA, and APHA. Additionally, the role may involve taking on extra duties as necessary to meet business needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Client stakeholders Relationship Management:

• Ensure knowledge of HMRC compliance and practices is maintained in line with current legislation/regulation through continuous professional development.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, understanding their supply chains.
• Ensure learning from client engagement is shared with the team
• Develop customs simplifications (e.g., Inward/Outward Processing, Customs Warehousing, Approved Exporter).
• Provide proactive customer service and be available for problem resolution.
• Coordinate with logistics, procurement, and other departments to ensure smooth import and export processes.

Customs Entry and Compliance:

• Oversee accurate and timely customs entries. Ensure all import and export activities comply with international trade laws and regulations
• Address customs inquiries related to commodity coding, trade preferences, duties, valuation, and transit procedures.
• Identify potential risks related to customs operations and develop mitigation strategies.

Regulatory Knowledge and Professional Development:

• Stay updated on HMRC compliance requirements and ensure adherence to AEO, DEFRA, Customs, ETSF, IATA, Dangerous Goods, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Demonstrate experience with CDS import & export and NCTS.
• Implement solutions for upcoming changes and communicate them to stakeholders.
• Manage audits and inspections by customs authorities and other regulatory bodies.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain detailed records for accounting, budgeting, and contract management.
• Log compliance checks, analyse customs operations data, and establish SOPs and custom policies.
• Organise quotes systematically. Archive in cargo wise accordingly.
• Log all activity on the CRM system-Pave etc.
• Develop and implement solutions for upcoming changes in legislation, systems, or processes. Communicate these changes to all stakeholders and assist customers in adapting to mitigate risks and a keen eye for detail is essential.
• Knowledge of submitting entries to CHIEF and CDS to the highest standard of accuracy

Operations Management:

• Lead the Customs department, optimising resource levels during peak seasons.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve customs processes, reduce costs, and monitor KPIs operations and resolve Customs-related issues.
• Solution oriented rather than identifying challenges.
• Demonstrate high standards of spoken and written English, excellent communication skills, and strong questioning and persuasive abilities.

Team Development and HR Compliance:

• Conduct team performance reviews and foster a positive work environment, build team spirit and ensure high morale and motivation.
• Reduction of overtime and regularly monitor operations while providing technical support
• Follow HR guidelines, including tracking team attendance and conducting biannual performance reviews aligned with role objectives and KPIs.
• Collaborate with the HR team for effective management and development.

To Be Considered:

• Extensive experience of hands-on customs clearance experience, methodical, enquiring, and confident; success-driven with strong international trade acumen, including tariff classifications, customs valuation, and license management.
• In-depth knowledge of UK customs regulations, procedures, and documentation; experience with customs software and systems, including CHIEF and CDS.
• Expertise in import/export regulations, excise duties, trade compliance, and customs warehousing.
• Leadership: Excellent leadership and team management abilities. People Person.
• Qualifications: Diploma in Advanced Customs Compliance, British International Freight Association certification, and evidence of maintaining relevant CPD. Trade related qualification.

For more details, please contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply Chain and Logistics industry