Customs & Distribution Senior Manager

Customs & Distribution Senior Manager

National Oceanography Centre (NOC) – Southampton, UK.

About the role

The Customs & Distribution Senior Manager plays a pivotal role within NOC’s Supply Chain team, ensuring the compliant, efficient, and secure movement of goods both nationally and internationally. The role involves strategic management of the Customs Warehouse and import/export operations for a diverse range of materials, including scientific instruments, marine engineering equipment, controlled, hazardous, and dual‑use goods.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the Customs & Distribution team to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
• Oversee the daily operation of NOC’s Customs Warehouse, ensuring accurate control of bonded and non‑bonded stock.
• Manage all import and export activities, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, including Authorised Use, Temporary Admission, and Inward Processing Relief (IPR).
• Maintain compliance with UK export control, dual‑use, and hazardous goods legislation, and ensure proper documentation and licensing (SPIRE, OGEL, CITES, etc.).
• Develop, implement and monitor Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for customs and distribution processes.
• Act as key interface with HMRC, UK Border Force and other regulatory authorities, ensuring NOC meets all obligations under the UK Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and relevant frameworks.
• Ensure all import/export documentation (commercial invoices, packing lists, declarations, licences and certificates) are complete, accurate and retained as required.
• Coordinate and optimise national and international logistics, ensuring cost‑effective, timely and compliant movement of goods in support of research and operational projects.
• Support audits, compliance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance governance, transparency and efficiency across customs and logistics functions.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise and training across NOC on customs compliance, export controls and distribution procedures.

About you

You are a knowledgeable and proactive logistics professional with extensive experience managing customs‑controlled operations and international trade compliance. You combine strategic oversight with hands‑on operational capability and thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Essential attributes

• Significant experience in customs management, bonded warehousing and international logistics.
• Strong understanding of HMRC requirements, customs procedures and international trade regulations.
• Proven experience managing import/ export documentation and compliance for controlled, hazardous or dual‑use goods.
• Knowledge of the UK Trade Tariff, commodity codes and duty management systems.
• Familiarity with SPIRE export licensing, OGELs and end‑use controls.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across scientific, technical and operational functions.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining governance and traceability in all documentation and processes.

Why NOC?

At NOC, you’ll join a passionate and multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting cutting‑edge science and engineering. We offer a supportive and inclusive environment, opportunities for professional development and a chance to play a direct role in enabling world‑leading ocean research that benefits our planet.

Benefits

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme – free, anonymous support for mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues.
• Flexible benefits portal with online discounts, cashback and e‑gift cards.
• Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories.
• A collaborative working environment with social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations.
• Proud Living Wage Employer.

Location

The position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free on‑site car‑parking with over 40 EV charging points. NOC follows a hybrid working approach; most staff can work from home up to 2 days per week.

Submitting an application

Click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up‑to‑date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, contact NOC recruitment at careers@noc.ac.uk or 07355 676794. Prior to submitting, review the attached job description and person specification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, relationship status or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advertised: 29/10/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.