At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Leading provider of international logistics and supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth in a rapidly expanding business.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in customs compliance.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in UK customs operations with strong management skills.
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 London 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 environment that fosters career development and growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding business. With a focus on continuous improvement and high-performance teams, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in customs operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and customs field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. 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 challenges and think of ways you can contribute. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the solution they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience with AEO, HMRC, and other regulations. The more comfortable you are discussing your expertise, the more confident you’ll appear to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters who are looking for top talent in customs and compliance.
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in London
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 regulations and any 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. Share specific examples of how you've driven compliance and improved processes in previous positions. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and KPIs to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made a difference in customs operations!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK customs regulations, AEO, HMRC, DEFRA, and Border Force requirements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams 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 can demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to customs operations. Think about how you would handle high-risk or complex customs issues and be prepared to explain your thought process. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet.
✨Discuss Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Come prepared to talk about any past experiences where you've driven improvements in processes or systems. Whether it's through automation or enhancing operational efficiency, showing that you have a continuous improvement mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
