At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a customs team while shaping the future of customs services.
- Company: Established freight forwarder with a focus on customs and international trade.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and opportunity for operational improvements.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a recognised centre of excellence in customs.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a department and shape the commercial future of customs operations.
- Qualifications: Strong customs expertise and experience in leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Southampton | Full-Time | Up to £50,000
Are you an experienced customs professional ready to take ownership of a department and turn customs expertise into a commercially successful service?
We're looking for a
Head of Customs to lead, develop and grow an established Customs Department.
Managing a team of 8-10 customs professionals, you'll take responsibility for operational performance, compliance, customer service and the commercial development of the customs offering.
This is a senior opportunity for someone who combines in-depth customs and international trade knowledge with strong leadership and commercial awareness .
You'll have the scope to improve systems and processes, introduce automation and develop new revenue opportunities while becoming the organisation's principal customs expert.
About the Role
As Head of Customs, you'll lead a team of Customs Coordinators, Supervisors and Managers while shaping the future direction of the department.
A major focus will be developing Customs into a scalable, standalone commercial service.
You'll look at how the department operates today, identify opportunities for improvement and put the processes, technology and structure in place to support future growth.
Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you'll act as the senior point of expertise for customs legislation, HMRC requirements, international trade developments and complex customer requirements.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading and developing a team of 8-10 customs professionals
- Developing a long-term strategy for Customs Services as a standalone commercial offering
- Taking responsibility for departmental performance, service delivery, revenue and profitability
- Driving productivity, accuracy and customer service across customs operations
- Ensuring customs declarations and associated activities are completed accurately, compliantly and within agreed service levels
- Monitoring performance including clearance times, entry accuracy, query resolution, productivity and customer satisfaction
- Building scalable processes capable of supporting increased transaction volumes and customer growth
- Identifying opportunities to use technology, automation, AI and digital solutions to improve efficiency
- Leading systems development and integration projects within Customs
- Standardising customs procedures, controls and reporting
- Identifying new opportunities to generate revenue from customs services
- Developing customs consultancy, managed services and other value-added solutions
- Supporting sales teams with new business opportunities and existing customer development
- Acting as the organisation's principal customs and international trade expert
- Leading the implementation of legislative and regulatory changes
- Providing guidance on
HMRC requirements, CDS developments, trade agreements, border operating models and customs simplifications
- Identifying appropriate duty optimisation opportunities
- Maintaining strong governance, compliance and audit readiness
- Supporting customers with complex customs and international trade challenges
- Providing customs expertise to branch locations and operational departments
- Developing training, mentoring and knowledge-sharing across the business
- Acting as the senior escalation point for complex customs matters and key customers
- Building relationships with customers, software providers, HMRC stakeholders and industry bodies
What Our Client Is Looking For
- Strong customs and international trade expertise
- Experience leading and developing customs professionals
- In-depth understanding of customs compliance, declarations and regulatory requirements
- Strong knowledge of HMRC requirements and CDS
- Experience managing operational performance and improving service delivery
- The ability to interpret regulatory changes and translate them into practical operational requirements
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities for revenue growth
- Experience improving processes, systems and operational efficiency
- An interest in automation, technology and digital transformation within customs operations
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- The confidence to support senior customers with complex customs and trade matters
- Strong leadership, mentoring and team-development capabilities
- The ability to combine strategic thinking with day-to-day operational leadership
- What's on Offer
- Salary up to £55,000
- Senior leadership responsibility for an established Customs Department
- Management of a team of 8-10 customs professionals
- The opportunity to shape and develop the organisation's Customs Services offering
- Scope to introduce new systems, automation and operational improvements
- The opportunity to develop new customs products and commercial revenue streams
- A key role in building a recognised centre of excellence for customs and international trade
If you're an experienced customs leader looking for the opportunity to take ownership of a department, develop a team and shape the commercial future of a Customs operation within an established freight forwarder , we'd love to hear from you and tell you more.
Head of Customs in Southampton employer: SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding freight forwarder that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With a modern office environment, excellent career progression opportunities, and a commitment to employee well-being through competitive salaries and benefits, this company is an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the logistics industry.
Contact Details:
SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Customs in Southampton
✨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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers 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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers!
✨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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers 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 Head of Customs in Southampton
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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers:This is your chance to really connect with the team at SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers. 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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers
✨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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers.
✨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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers 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 SDW Recruitment Ltd Careers. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
