Operations Manager in Felixstowe

About Customs Support Group

Customs Support Group (CSG) is Europe’s leading independent customs services provider. Founded in 1964, we operate in 14 European countries with 100+ offices and a team of 1,700+ customs professionals. We help companies move goods across borders smoothly and compliantly, taking the pressure out of customs.

What we do: We support more than 60,000 clients and process over 20 million declaration lines each year. From day‑to‑day customs declarations to compliance, duty optimization and trade advice, we make cross‑border trade easier and more predictable.

How we work: We combine local customs expertise with modern digital tools to handle large volumes accurately and at speed. Our technology helps teams work smarter, reduces manual effort, and improves turnaround times. In markets like the UK, this already led to clear productivity gains.

Why it matters: Customs rules are becoming more complex and mistakes are costly. Delays, compliance risks and unclear regulations can slow businesses down. CSG helps clients stay compliant, reduce risk and keep their supply chains moving.

Why Join Us

At CSG, you will be part of a growing international organization that is improving how customs work gets done.

You Will:

• Work with experienced customs professionals and technology teams
• Gain exposure to international trade and complex supply chains
• Contribute to services that have a real impact on global commerce

This is a chance to build a career in a stable but evolving industry, where expertise and good judgement still matter.

We are seeking a dedicated individual to take on the role of Operations Manager for our SCDP Team in our Felixstowe Office; responsible primarily for managing and overseeing the SCDP operations of Key Customers at the Felixstowe office. The aim is to ensure that employees are working effectively, accurately and to maximum productivity. The Operations Manager should have confidence and knowledge to challenge ideas to continually develop our teams, improve processes, increase productivity and help support the growth of CSG business. They are responsible to the Regional Senior Operations Manager.

Accountabilities:

• Extensive knowledge of and experience with Customs and VAT matters.
• Knowledge of and experience with logistics operations.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of SCDP and Duty Management processes.
• Thorough understanding of Ricardo and ASM systems and their reporting capabilities.
• Manage overall operations and be responsible for the effective and successful management of employees and their performance and productivity.
• Maintain constant communication with management and staff.
• Manage sickness, holiday and other absences within your reporting team, and during these periods of absence to ensure work is covered by team leaders and declarants.
• Support the senior management team to set and/or implement policies, procedures and processes as part of company policy / legislation.
• Support new customer implementations.
• Lead and manage the department to ensure efficient operations.
• Collaborate with team leaders and specialists to provide mentorship and upskilling opportunities.
• Drive initiatives to enhance the knowledge base within the teams.

If you are a proactive leader with a passion for developing teams and driving business success, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Manage overall day‑to‑day operations to ensure effective and successful management of employee productivity and accuracy. Actively pursue strategic and operational objectives, delivering them in a timely manner. Track staff requirements, discussing hiring needs with Regional Senior Operations Manager where required. Lead motivate and support the SCDP teams within a time sensitive and demanding environment including setup and implementation of career development plans for all direct reports and problem resolution. Actively liaise with HMRC and customers in respect of SCDP issues and/or regulatory changes. Manage timely data collection to update operations metrics to achieve productivity. Work closely with the compliance team to make sure activities remain compliant. Serve as a primary point of contact when there are customer issues. Where required Client meetings online and face to face. Updating Sales Force with details of potential commercial activities. Report and elevate to management as needed. Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders. Completing and improving internal operating procedures by working with the appropriate Operational managers. Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors. Work closely with the IT department to ensure maximisation of automation /EDI in the operation.

Job requirements:

Qualifications:

• A good level of numeracy and literacy to confidently present to colleagues.
• Relevant industry qualifications.

Experience:

• 3+ Years experience.
• 3+ years imports / exports custom clearance experience, including a good understanding of CDS, CHIEF, CDS, Destin8, GOV.UK applications.
• Minimum Of 3 Years Team And People Management Experience.

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in ASM Sequoia software, CHIEF, CDS, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• A sound understanding of the Microsoft Office suite.
• Good geographical knowledge.
• An awareness of confidentiality and data protection laws and guidelines.
• Ability to be flexible and contribute to other areas of the business where required.
• Use and understanding of port linked inventory systems GOV.UK, IPAFFS, Azyra, ASM, Sequoia & Ricardo.
• Understanding of SCDP authorisations and processes.

Skills:

• Team player – able to organise self and others.
• Strong communicator.
• Proactive and confident.
• Accurate and considered work compliance is key.
• Creative thinker and problem Solver.
• Show initiative.
• Good Time Keeping.
• Completes personal goals. (Agreed with line manager).