At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading logistics provider with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working model, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a rapidly expanding business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in UK customs operations and strong people management skills.
Our client, a leading provider of comprehensive logistics and supply chain solutions, specialising in airfreight, warehousing, and distribution services, are looking for a Customs & Compliance Manager to join their team at offices in the London, Heathrow area.
On Offer:
- Key leadership role with full responsibility for the customs function of the business
- Attractive salary ranging from £60K – £80K, dependent on skills and experience.
- Hybrid Working Model
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Career development and growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding business
Main Purpose of the Role:
Reporting to the CEO, the Customs & Compliance Manager will be responsible for ensuring all customs activities are delivered accurately and on time, maintaining full regulatory compliance across AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, and Border Force requirements, and driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and team performance. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep knowledge of UK customs regulations, strong people management skills, and a track record of building high-performing, compliant teams.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Customs & Compliance Manager:
Operations
- Full ownership of customs operations across the Customs, ensuring compliant, accurate, and on-time customs clearance.
- Ensure full adherence to AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, Port Health, and Border Force requirements, including SOPs and internal controls.
- Oversee operational performance through clear KPIs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across the department.
- Act as the final escalation point for high-risk, high-value, or complex customs issues.
- Ensure month-end processes, supplementary declarations, and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
- Monitor departmental costs and profitability, protecting margins and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Oversee customs systems, reporting, and automation initiatives, including AI tools and offshore support.
Commercial & People Management
- Lead, develop, and hold the customs leadership team accountable through clear KPIs, structured oversight, and a culture of ownership.
- Create a positive working environment, building team spirit, morale, and motivation.
- Actively manage key accounts with regular communication, resolving issues proactively, and maintaining consistently high customer satisfaction.
- Support continuous improvement in service quality and operational efficiency.
- Follow HR guidelines and capture team status (sickness, leave, etc.) on the HR system.
To be Considered for the Customs & Compliance Manager:
- Minimum 5 years' experience in UK customs operations, with at least 2 years in a management or senior supervisory role.
- Proven knowledge of AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, Port Health, and Border Force requirements.
- Strong understanding of customs clearance processes across air freight, sea freight, and perishables.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, develop, and hold accountable a busy customs team.
- Experience managing departmental P&L, billing accuracy, and month-end reporting.
- Commercially minded with strong attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Strong communication skills with fluent spoken and written English.
For more details, please contact Willis Global - a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Supply Chain & Logistics industry.
Customs & Compliance Manager in Heathrow employer: Willis Global Ltd
Join a leading logistics provider in the London Heathrow area, where you will play a pivotal role as a Customs & Compliance Manager in a supportive and collaborative environment. With an attractive salary package, hybrid working model, and ample opportunities for career development within a rapidly expanding business, this is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in customs operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in Heathrow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and supply chain industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, 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 customs operations. Understand their compliance needs and think of ways you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've built high-performing teams and improved processes in your previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to manage compliance and drive results.
✨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 are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Customs & Compliance Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in Heathrow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your experience with UK customs operations and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of AEO, HMRC, and other regulations. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve improved processes or led successful teams. We love seeing results!
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. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global Ltd
✨Know Your Customs Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK customs regulations, especially AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, and Border Force requirements. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of what’s required in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in managing customs operations and how you’ve developed high-performing teams. This is a senior role, so demonstrating your people management skills is crucial.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complex customs issues or high-risk situations. Think of specific instances where you resolved challenges effectively. This will help illustrate your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to act as an escalation point.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Discuss any initiatives you’ve implemented that improved operational efficiency or service quality. Companies love candidates who are proactive about finding ways to enhance processes, so come prepared with examples of your continuous improvement efforts.
