At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customs operations, ensure compliance, and drive performance improvements.
- Company: Leading forwarder with a focus on operational excellence and customer engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and skill enhancement.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in customs operations.
- Qualifications: Understanding of UK customs procedures and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are hiring for a leading Forwarder:
Role Purpose
The Customs Compliance & Operational Performance Specialist is responsible for supporting customs operations through compliance oversight, performance analysis, customer engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role ensures adherence to customs regulations, drives operational excellence, supports key customer relationships, and contributes to warehousing, ETSF, and export compliance activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Customs Compliance & Governance
- Support the Customs Compliance function through the review and analysis of audit results for designated customers.
- Drive corrective and preventative action plans (CAPA) in collaboration with managers and supervisors.
- Ensure compliance with customs regulations, customer requirements, and internal operational standards.
- Support ETSF compliance activities and maintain adherence to regulatory obligations.
- Deliver customer-specific reporting and document retention requirements.
- Operational Performance & Reporting
- Generate, analyse, and present operational and customer performance data to support business reviews and decision-making.
- Collaborate with Customs Managers, Operations Managers, and Supervisors to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Monitor and drive key operational performance metrics, including timely keying and UCE performance.
- Support weekly reconciliation and exception reporting activities for customs warehousing customers.
- Oversee and monitor export departure status for UK export entries.
- Customer Management & Service Excellence
- Assist with customer retention activities and business review meetings.
- Manage and support key brokerage-only customers outside the formal account management programme.
- Respond promptly and accurately to customer information requests within agreed service levels.
- Work closely with supervisors to ensure customer Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) remain accurate, compliant, and regularly updated.
- Warehousing & Reconciliation Support
- Provide operational and compliance support for customs warehousing activities.
- Support reconciliation processes and exception management for warehousing customers.
- Assist with customs warehouse compliance requirements and implementation activities where applicable.
- Business Change & Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to customer transition and implementation projects, including onboarding new business opportunities.
- Support process improvements and operational efficiencies across the customs function.
- Embrace and support system enhancements, technology improvements, and changes to customs processes.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of UK customs procedures and compliance requirements.
- Experience within customs brokerage, freight forwarding, or international trade operations.
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience reviewing operational performance data and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Desirable
- Experience supporting customs warehousing and ETSF operations.
- Knowledge of customs audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews.
- Experience participating in customer reviews and operational improvement projects.
- Familiarity with customs management systems and reporting tools.
Monday - Friday: 09:00am - 17:30pm
Customs Operations Consultant in London employer: First Choice Staff
As a leading forwarder, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that champions compliance and operational excellence. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere where every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful customer relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Operations Consultant in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like First Choice Staff and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at First Choice Staff!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like First Choice Staff keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Operations Consultant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to First Choice Staff:This is your chance to really connect with the team at First Choice Staff. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Choice Staff
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with First Choice Staff.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show First Choice Staff that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at First Choice Staff. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
