At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving team performance.
- Company: Top logistics provider with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in international logistics.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in UK customs operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading provider of International logistics and supply chain solutions, offering freight forwarding, 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
- Competitive salary, 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
Join a leading provider of international logistics and supply chain solutions in the vibrant London, Heathrow area, where you will play a pivotal role as a Customs & Compliance Manager. Enjoy a competitive salary, a hybrid working model, and a supportive, collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development within a rapidly expanding business. With opportunities for career advancement and a focus on continuous improvement, this is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the customs sector.
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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their customs operations, recent news, and challenges they might be facing. This will help us tailor our answers and show that we’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in customs compliance and leadership. The more comfortable we are talking about our skills, the better we’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing 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 management 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 Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership role, make sure to highlight your people management skills. Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and created a positive working environment. We love to see candidates who can inspire and motivate others!
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 love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global
✨Know Your Customs Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK customs regulations, especially AEO, HMRC, and DEFRA requirements. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also understand their practical implications.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in managing performance through KPIs and fostering a positive team environment. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in high-pressure situations, like handling complex customs issues or managing key accounts. Think of specific instances where you resolved challenges effectively, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain customer satisfaction.
✨Discuss Continuous Improvement
Since the role involves driving continuous improvement, come prepared with ideas on how to enhance customs operations. Whether it’s through automation or process optimisation, showing that you have a proactive mindset will impress the interviewers.
