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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations and ensure compliance for high-volume international shipments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced import environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and potential relocation to beautiful Devon.
- Why this job: Shape best practices and drive operational improvements while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in customs management with strong knowledge of UK and EU regulations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of customs operations within a large, fast-moving import environment. You’ll play a key role in shaping best practice, supporting business growth, and ensuring compliance across high-volume international shipments.
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Customs Manager to join a busy import function handling significant shipment volumes each year. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll oversee customs processes, drive compliance, and support operational improvements across the wider business. You’ll work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring all imports meet UK, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland regulations, while continuously improving processes and standards.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading and developing a customs team, supporting performance and best practice
- Overseeing tariff classification and regulatory compliance across imports
- Managing customs clearance processes, including documentation and entry instructions
- Reviewing and monitoring C88, E2, deferment, and MSS reporting
- Ensuring compliance with CFSP and customs warehousing requirements
- Handling ROI and EU documentation, including TSS and EU import entries
- Keeping up to date with HMRC and EU regulatory changes
- Supporting customs audits, checks, and process improvements
- Working with Port Health and managing specialist certification requirements
- Delivering internal training and guidance on import/export requirements
- Leading projects relating to evolving regulations (including CBAM and EUDR)
- Monitoring import costs and identifying efficiencies and savings
What Our Client Is Looking For
- At least 3 years’ experience in a customs management role
- Strong knowledge of UK, Northern Ireland, and ROI customs regulations
- Proven experience within import operations
- Expertise in tariff classification (UK & EU)
- Solid understanding of customs warehousing and CFSP procedures
- Experience with customs documentation, including Rules of Origin and tariff preferences
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks and certification requirements (e.g. NIRMS / APHA)
- Strong analytical skills with confidence using data and systems (Excel essential)
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability
- Confident communicator, able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Leadership capability with experience developing teams
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary
- Pension scheme
- Employee discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Long service recognition
May also suit someone willing to relocate to Devon.
Customs Manager employer: SDW Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
SDW Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and import industry. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK, Northern Ireland, and ROI customs regulations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled compliance and operational improvements in past roles. We want you to shine and show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you’ve developed teams or improved processes. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others and drive change, so make sure to highlight these experiences during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take ownership of their roles, just like the Customs Manager position we have available.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs Manager role. Highlight your experience in customs management and any specific regulations you’ve worked with. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved processes or driven compliance in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can make.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about customs operations and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it engaging and let your personality come through – we love that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SDW Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Customs Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK, Northern Ireland, and ROI customs regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss specific compliance frameworks and recent regulatory changes will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also proactive about staying updated.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in customs management. Highlight your experience in developing team performance and driving best practices, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Since strong analytical skills are a must, be ready to discuss how you've used data to improve processes or identify efficiencies in previous roles. Bring along any relevant metrics or outcomes that showcase your ability to leverage data effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice how you would communicate with various stakeholders, from internal teams to external partners. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building relationships and ensuring everyone is aligned on customs processes. This will demonstrate your confidence and communication skills.