At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing customs team while ensuring compliance and improving processes.
- Company: Established logistics provider with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £45,000, day shift role, and opportunities for team development.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence operations across day and night shifts.
- Why this job: Shape processes and build a strong team culture in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: 35+ years of customs experience, strong knowledge of compliance, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
Location: Hythe - office based
Salary: Up to £45,000 + Benefits
Are you a customs professional who thrives on bringing structure, improving processes, and building high-performing teams? We are partnering with a well-established logistics provider looking for a Customs Team Leader to take ownership of their Road Freight Customs function. This is a day shift role, a rare advantage in this sector, while offering full leadership oversight across both day and night operations.
This Customs Team Leader role is ideal for someone who not only understands customs inside out, but also enjoys creating order, driving consistency, and developing people.
The Role
- Lead, coach, and develop a structured, high-performing customs team
- Bring process, consistency, and best practice into daily operations
- Oversee end-to-end import and export customs clearance
- Act as the escalation point for complex or high-risk entries
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC, DEFRA, and regulatory requirements
- Review and refine SOPs, workflows, and operational procedures
- Monitor KPIs, accuracy, and service levels, driving continuous improvement
- Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
- Oversee duties, taxes, and deferment accounts with a focus on accuracy
You’ll also have responsibility for the night shift team, ensuring alignment, visibility, and consistency across the full operation.
What We’re Looking For
- 35+ years experience in HMRC customs entry processing (CDS essential)
- Strong knowledge of HS classification, tariffs, and compliance
- Experience with DEFRA, IPAFFS, and related systems
- Background handling temperature-controlled / perishable goods
- CargoWise experience (essential)
- Previous team leadership or supervisory experience preferred
Who You Are
- A leader who is process-driven and detail-focused
- Passionate about building structure, improving workflows, and creating consistency
- Experienced in developing teams and raising performance standards
- Organised, with the ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment
- A clear communicator who fosters a one team culture
- Proactive, accountable, and solutions-oriented
Why Apply?
- Day shift role highly sought-after in customs operations
- Salary up to £45,000
- Opportunity to shape processes and build a strong team culture
- Leadership role with real influence across day and night operations
- Supportive, collaborative working environment
If you’re ready to take ownership, bring structure to a growing function, and build a team you’re proud of, this is your opportunity. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Customs Manager employer: The CDR Collective
Join a well-established logistics provider in Hythe as a Customs Manager, where you will enjoy the rare advantage of a day shift role while leading a high-performing customs team. With a focus on employee development, process improvement, and a supportive work culture, this position offers competitive salary and benefits, along with the opportunity to make a significant impact on operations and team dynamics. Embrace a collaborative environment that values structure and consistency, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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 logistics industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their customs processes and think about how you can bring structure and improvement to their operations. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams and improved workflows in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to drive consistency and compliance, as these are key for the Customs Team Leader position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Customs Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your customs expertise, leadership experience, and any relevant systems you've worked with, like CargoWise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Customs Team Leader role. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or built high-performing teams in the past.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge:Since compliance is key in this role, be sure to mention your understanding of HMRC, DEFRA, and other regulatory requirements. This will show us that you’re serious about maintaining standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The CDR Collective
✨Know Your Customs Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HMRC customs entry processing and the CDS system. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled complex customs entries or compliance issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in leading teams. Think of instances where you've successfully coached or developed team members, and be ready to share how you foster a collaborative culture.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've improved workflows or brought consistency to operations in previous roles. Highlight any specific processes you've refined and the positive impact it had on the team or company.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built strong relationships with customers and stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share examples of how effective communication has helped you resolve issues or improve service levels.
