At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a customs team, ensuring smooth customs processes and compliance.
- Company: Join a family-feel freight forwarding business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and a close-knit team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a friendly and collaborative workplace.
- Why this job: Take ownership of customs operations and make a real impact in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in customs, leadership experience, and strong communication skills.
Are you an experienced Customs professional looking for your next career move with an established freight forwarding business where people, teamwork and a family-feel environment genuinely matter?
We are currently recruiting for an Experienced Customs Manager in Freight to join our Head Office in Dagenham. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced customs specialist who enjoys being hands-on, taking ownership and supporting a team, while also having the confidence and knowledge to deal directly with HMRC and manage the full customs process.
You will be a key point of contact within the business, providing guidance to the team, resolving customs queries and ensuring high standards are maintained across day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, support and manage a team of 4 Customs Operators.
- Oversee the team's customs processes, ensuring procedures are followed correctly and consistently.
- Prepare and issue customs entries and T Forms for export trailers.
- Arrange and oversee customs clearance for import trailers.
- Manage VAT and customs duties.
- Deal directly with HMRC, responding to queries and resolving customs-related issues.
- Provide guidance, mentoring and training to Customs Operators where required.
- Monitor the quality and accuracy of customs entries and processes.
- Act as a senior point of reference for customs-related queries within the business.
- Identify and address issues proactively, ensuring the smooth movement of freight.
- Work collaboratively with the wider freight forwarding operation while also being comfortable working independently.
We are looking for someone with strong practical customs experience who understands the complete customs process and is confident taking responsibility for a team.
You will ideally have:
- Minimum 5 years' experience working within customs processes.
- Strong knowledge of the full customs clearance process.
- Previous experience leading, supervising or managing a customs team.
- Experience using Sequoia or a similar customs system - experience with Sequoia is highly desirable.
- Proven experience dealing directly with HMRC.
- Strong understanding of VAT, duties, imports and exports.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- A friendly, approachable and supportive management style.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also using your own initiative.
- A positive, enthusiastic and driven attitude.
Why Join Us?
This isn’t just another customs management position. You’ll be joining the Head Office of a freight forwarding business with a close-knit, family-feel working environment, where you’ll work alongside an experienced and supportive team.
You’ll have the opportunity to take real ownership of the customs function, make a difference to the team around you and play an important role within the wider business.
Package & Benefits
- Salary: circa £50,000, depending on experience
- Salary negotiable for the right candidate
- Full-time, permanent position
- Supportive, close-knit team environment
- Family-feel company culture
- Opportunity to lead and develop an established customs team
- A senior role with genuine responsibility and ownership
If you have the customs knowledge, leadership experience and personality to make this role your own, please apply with your CV. All applications will be treated confidentially.
Customs Manager employer: Spring Supply Chain
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Customs Coordinator in the North East, where your expertise will be valued in a well-established freight forwarding business. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a hybrid working model, all within a modern office environment that fosters collaboration and growth. With a low staff turnover and a culture that balances hard work with a sense of humour, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs Manager
✨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 Spring Supply Chain 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 Spring Supply Chain!
✨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 Spring Supply Chain 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 Customs Manager
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 Spring Supply Chain:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Spring Supply Chain. 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 Spring Supply Chain
✨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 Spring Supply Chain.
✨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 Spring Supply Chain 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 Spring Supply Chain. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
