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- Tasks: Lead daily operations, ensuring productivity and compliance in a fast-paced customs brokerage environment.
- Company: Join a leading customs brokerage with a focus on operational excellence and team development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, smart/casual dress code, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving process improvements and leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs or brokerage operations and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with occasional travel and out-of-hours working.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Location: Dover
Salary: £50,000 (Negotiable)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
PSM Recruitment is working with a leading customs brokerage business to recruit an experienced Operations Manager to take full responsibility for their Dover office. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role, acting as the first-line decision maker for the site and playing a key role in driving operational excellence, compliance, and team development.
The Role
You will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring productivity, accuracy, and service delivery are aligned with wider business goals. A strong focus of the role is on departmental structure, process improvement, automation, and people development, working closely with team leaders, specialists, and senior leadership.
Key Accountabilities
- Full responsibility for the daily operational performance of the Dover office
- Ensure high standards of productivity, accuracy, and compliance across all teams
- Work closely with the Brokerage Director and leadership team to implement policies, procedures, and systems
- Line manage Team Leaders and Specialists, aligning objectives and supporting mentoring across the declarant network
- Design and implement a framework for specialist roles, including tailored job descriptions aligned to individual skill sets
- Oversee systems automation and process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Build and maintain strong operational relationships with customers, both new and existing
- Ensure adequate staffing and coverage for the 24/7 shift system, including weekend on-call rota
Key Responsibilities
- Lead by example, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures
- Create, maintain, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Liaise with HMRC and other relevant authorities to facilitate customs clearance
- Produce and support weekly and monthly operational reports for Directors
- Conduct monthly internal reviews with key stakeholders to share best practice and drive continuous improvement
- Manage holidays, absences, return-to-work interviews, and HR documentation
- Carry out 1-2-1s, appraisals, and performance management processes
- Stay up to date with import, export, and transit legislation through industry webinars and seminars
- Act as the single point of contact for audits, working closely with the audit team and organising training to close skill gaps
- Support key client relationships alongside the Operations Manager and senior stakeholders
- Ensure Team Leaders actively manage customer IOPs and internal instructions
What to Expect
- Office-based role in Dover
- Smart / casual dress code
- A fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment, supported by an experienced leadership team
- Occasional travel to other offices to support business needs
- Attendance at customer meetings, sometimes involving overnight stays
- Out-of-hours working as required to meet operational demands
About You
You will be an experienced customs or brokerage operations leader, confident managing teams, improving processes, and working in a regulated, time-critical environment. Strong people management, stakeholder communication, and compliance knowledge are essential.
Locations
Operations Manager in Dover, Kent employer: PSM recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
PSM recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Dover, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and brokerage industry. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can contribute to their success as an Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes, managed teams, and driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Dover, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in customs brokerage, team management, and process improvement. We want to see how your skills align with 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 Dover office. Share specific examples of your leadership style and how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've improved productivity, compliance, or team performance in past positions. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSM recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of customs brokerage and operations management. Brush up on relevant legislation, compliance standards, and best practices in the industry. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team through challenges or implemented process improvements. Be ready to discuss how you align objectives with team leaders and support their development.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle high-pressure situations. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you’ve identified issues and implemented effective solutions. This is crucial for a role that requires quick decision-making and operational oversight.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and operational goals. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
