Operations Manager - Customs & Compliance

Operations Manager – Customs & Compliance | Feltham, Middlesex | Full Time | £42,000.00 - £50,000.00 subject to experience

Our client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager – Customs & Compliance to oversee the day-to-day operational activities of the business while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations, Border Force requirements, and internal quality standards.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in customs clearance, compliance, warehouse operations, and people management, with the ability to lead operational improvements and maintain high service standards.

The Role

Oversee the day-to-day operational activities of the business while ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations, Border Force requirements, and internal quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Customs & Compliance

• Oversee all import and export customs clearance activities
• Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, CDS requirements, ETSF procedures, and AEO standards
• Maintain compliance with Border Force and Trading Standards regulations
• Liaise directly with HMRC, Border Force, Trading Standards and other regulatory authorities
• Investigate customs queries and implement corrective actions where required
• Ensure all customs records and compliance documentation are maintained accurately

Operations Management

• Manage the daily operations of the customs, warehouse and transport teams
• Monitor staff performance and ensure operational KPIs are achieved
• Allocate workloads and ensure all shipments are processed efficiently
• Identify operational improvements to increase productivity and reduce errors
• Support management with planning, reporting and operational performance

Audits & Quality Assurance

• Prepare for and manage internal and external compliance audits
• Conduct regular operational and customs compliance audits
• Identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Develop, implement and regularly review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Ensure all operational procedures remain compliant with HMRC and company policies
• Train staff on new procedures and ensure consistent implementation across the business

Staff Management

• Supervise and mentor operational staff
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training requirements
• Ensure employees follow company procedures and compliance standards
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement

Requirements

Essential

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within freight forwarding, customs or logistics operations
• Extensive knowledge of UK customs procedures and CDS
• Strong understanding of HMRC regulations, Border Force procedures
• Experience managing customs compliance and operational audits
• Proven experience leading operational teams
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to write and implement operational procedures and SOPs
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and freight forwarding software (e.g. Boxtop, ASM Sequoia or similar)

Desirable

• Experience managing an ETSF facility
• Knowledge of bonded warehousing and transit procedures
• Customs qualifications or relevant compliance certifications

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Attention to detail
• Compliance-focused
• Decision-making
• Team management
• Customer service
• Process improvement
• Time management
• Problem-solving

What’s In It For You

• 20 days holiday (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays
• Free Private Medical Insurance
• Company Pension

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