At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading international logistics provider in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on collaboration and high performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a rapidly expanding business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in UK customs operations with strong management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading provider of International logistics and supply chain solutions, offering freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution services, are looking for a Customs & Compliance Manager to join their team at offices in the London, Heathrow area.
On Offer:
- Key leadership role with full responsibility for the customs function of the business
- Competitive salary, dependent on skills and experience.
- Hybrid Working Model
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Career development and growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding business
Main Purpose of the Role:
Reporting to the CEO, the Customs & Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring all customs activities are delivered accurately and on time, maintaining full regulatory compliance across AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, and Border Force requirements, and driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and team performance. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep knowledge of UK customs regulations, strong people management skills, and a track record of building high-performing, compliant teams.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Customs & Compliance Manager:
Operations
- Full ownership of customs operations across the Customs, ensuring compliant, accurate, and on-time customs clearance.
- Ensure full adherence to AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, Port Health, and Border Force requirements, including SOPs and internal controls.
- Oversee operational performance through clear KPIs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across the department.
- Act as the final escalation point for high-risk, high-value, or complex customs issues.
- Ensure month-end processes, supplementary declarations, and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
- Monitor departmental costs and profitability, protecting margins and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Oversee customs systems, reporting, and automation initiatives, including AI tools and offshore support.
Commercial & People Management
- Lead, develop, and hold the customs leadership team accountable through clear KPIs, structured oversight, and a culture of ownership.
- Create a positive working environment, building team spirit, morale, and motivation.
- Actively manage key accounts with regular communication, resolving issues proactively, and maintaining consistently high customer satisfaction.
- Support continuous improvement in service quality and operational efficiency.
- Follow HR guidelines and capture team status (sickness, leave, etc.) on the HR system.
To be Considered for the Customs & Compliance Manager:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in UK customs operations, with at least 2 years in a management or senior supervisory role
- Proven knowledge of AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, Port Health, and Border Force requirements
- Strong understanding of customs clearance processes across air freight, sea freight, and perishables
- Demonstrated ability to manage, develop, and hold accountable a busy customs team
- Experience managing departmental P&L, billing accuracy, and month-end reporting
- Commercially minded with strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset
- Strong communication skills with fluent spoken and written English
Customs & Compliance Manager in London employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Join a leading provider of international logistics and supply chain solutions in the vibrant Heathrow area, where you will play a pivotal role as a Customs & Compliance Manager. Enjoy a competitive salary, a hybrid working model, and a supportive, collaborative environment that fosters career development and growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding business. With a focus on continuous improvement and high-performance teams, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in customs operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and customs field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK customs regulations and compliance standards. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss, so you can confidently showcase your expertise when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and improved processes in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a manager, but a true leader in customs operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience with UK customs operations and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific experiences that relate to AEO, HMRC, and other compliance requirements. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you improve a process or lead a successful project? We love to see numbers and results that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK customs regulations, AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, and Border Force requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of the compliance landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing KPIs and fostering a positive team environment. This role is all about people management, so be ready to demonstrate how you can motivate and develop a high-performing customs team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in high-pressure situations, like handling complex customs issues or managing key accounts. Think through your past experiences and prepare to explain how you resolved challenges while maintaining compliance and customer satisfaction.
✨Discuss Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Talk about any previous initiatives you've implemented to improve operational efficiency or service quality. Whether it's through automation or process enhancements, showing a proactive approach to continuous improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.
