Transportation Customs Manager in Coventry

At JINGDONG Logistics (JD Logistics), we are a leading technology-driven supply chain and logistics solutions provider under JD.com. Built on deep expertise in automation, smart fulfilment, and data intelligence, we operate end-to-end logistics services that empower businesses and enhance customer experience.

JINGDONG Logistics has developed one of the most extensive logistics infrastructures in the world, managing more than 3,600 warehouses with over 34 million square meters of space. Our Global Smart Supply Chain Network combines highly automated warehousing with robust international transportation solutions, enabling seamless cross-border movement.

Joining JD Logistics means helping shape the future of global supply chain and logistics. You’ll work with smart warehousing, autonomous delivery, and innovative technology that keeps goods moving worldwide. With a competitive salary, great locations, and a supportive, people-first culture, you’ll have the space to take on meaningful challenges, grow your skills, and make a real impact in a fast-evolving industry.

You’ll be joining the JINGDONG Logistics team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Customs Manager to oversee customs clearance activities for cross-border shipments imported into the UK. This role will be responsible for managing end-to-end import customs clearance processes, with a strong focus on port clearance, service provider management, and close coordination with internal stakeholders, especially the retail business team.

The successful candidate will act as the key point of contact between customs brokers, logistics service providers, and internal business functions to ensure shipments are cleared efficiently, compliantly, and on time. As the business grows, this role is also expected to build and manage a small team of 1–2 people, driving process standardisation, service performance, and customs compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• UK Import Customs Clearance Management
  • Take ownership of customs clearance operations for cross-border shipments entering the UK, including port clearance coordination and day-to-day execution.
  • Oversee import declaration activities, document review, duty and tax coordination, customs inspections, and exception handling to ensure smooth customs release.
  • Monitor customs clearance timelines, release status, and operational issues, and drive timely resolution to minimise delays, port storage, and additional charges.
• Service Provider Management and External Coordination
  • Manage day-to-day communication and performance of customs brokers, clearance agents, freight forwarders, carriers, and other relevant service providers.
  • Set clear service expectations, turnaround time requirements, and escalation mechanisms with external partners.
  • Regularly assess service provider performance in areas such as clearance lead time, issue response, exception rate, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Internal Stakeholder Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as the key customs point of contact for internal retail teams and support the execution of import-related business requirements.
  • Work closely with logistics, warehousing, procurement, finance, legal, tax, customer service, and other internal teams to ensure smooth process alignment and accurate information flow.
  • Provide customs-related guidance to internal stakeholders, including import requirements, declaration standards, lead time expectations, and risk implications.
• Compliance and Risk Control
  • Ensure all import operations comply with UK customs regulations and relevant trade compliance requirements.
  • Review and control key customs elements such as commodity classification, declaration data, supporting documents, import qualifications, and clearance accuracy.
  • Stay up to date with changes in UK customs policy, import regulations, and cross-border trade requirements, and translate those into internal process updates.
• Reporting, Data Analysis, and Process Improvement
  • Build and maintain customs-related KPIs and management reports, including clearance lead time, inspection rate, exception rate, additional cost, and service provider performance.
  • Use data analysis to identify bottlenecks, control points, and improvement opportunities across the customs process.
  • Drive standardisation, visibility, and continuous improvement of customs operations.
• Team Management and Capability Building
  • Build, lead, and develop a small customs team of 1–2 people in line with business growth.
  • Allocate work effectively, provide coaching and guidance, and support team capability development.
  • Establish clear working mechanisms within the team to improve execution, responsiveness, and problem-solving capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain, Customs, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in customs, customs clearance, international logistics, or cross-border supply chain operations.
• Proven experience in UK import customs clearance and port clearance operations is highly preferred.
• Experience in cross-border e-commerce, retail import, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, or supply chain companies is preferred.
• Prior team management experience, or potential to lead and develop a small team, is an advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of UK import customs clearance procedures, customs control requirements, and trade documentation.
• Good knowledge of tariff classification, declaration logic, duties and taxes, and exception handling processes.
• Strong capability in service provider management and cross-functional stakeholder coordination.
• Able to handle complex customs issues independently and drive resolution across multiple parties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in UK retail import, cross-border e-commerce, or high-volume import operations.
• Familiarity with VAT, EORI, IOR, product compliance, and import eligibility requirements.
• Experience handling customs inspections, holds, disputes, and duty/tax-related issues.
• Exposure to customs system implementation, process digitisation, or operational transformation projects.

At JINGDONG Logistics, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Ready to apply? Take the next step in your career, apply now and explore the opportunities we have to offer.