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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 mentoring a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs or brokerage operations with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Office-based role in Dover with occasional travel and a supportive leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
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.
Operations Manager in Dover 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs brokerage field and let them know you're on the hunt for an Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their processes, compliance standards, and team dynamics. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their needs and demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved processes, and driven results in previous roles. This will highlight your hands-on approach and ability to lead by example.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for the Operations Manager position. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Dover
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 and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and improved processes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your People Skills: Since this role involves managing teams, be sure to highlight your people management skills. Talk about how you've supported team development and built strong relationships with stakeholders in the past.
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 out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSM recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on customs regulations and brokerage processes before the interview. Being able to discuss recent changes in legislation or industry trends will show that you're not just experienced, but also proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you improved productivity or resolved conflicts. This will help illustrate your hands-on leadership style and ability to drive operational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Experience
Be ready to talk about any process improvements you've implemented in previous roles. Highlight how these changes increased efficiency or accuracy, as this aligns perfectly with the key responsibilities of the Operations Manager role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their operations and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company culture is a good fit for you.
