At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage customs operations, ensuring compliance and driving efficiency.
- Company: Established UK-based freight forwarding group at Heathrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced logistics business with growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the customs function in a dynamic airfreight environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in customs operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: London Heathrow (Office-Based / Hybrid Options Available)
Salary: £65,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 19:00
About the Role
We are working with a well-established UK-based SME freight forwarding group who are looking to appoint an experienced Customs & Compliance Manager to take ownership of their customs function for their UK operation reporting into their London Heathrow branch. This is a key leadership role responsible for managing, developing, and continuously improving all customs operations across import and export activity within one of the company's core UK hubs. You will ensure full HMRC compliance while driving efficiency, accuracy, and commercial value across the customs function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a blend of hands-on customs operations and strategic development, within a busy international freight environment at a major UK airfreight gateway.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the UK customs function.
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations and UK customs legislation.
- Oversee customs declarations including CFSP, NCTS, customs warehousing, and duty regimes.
- Maintain and develop AEO compliance standards and internal audit processes.
- Act as the key point of contact for all customs-related queries and escalations at Heathrow.
- Review, improve, and implement customs processes, SOPs, and control frameworks.
- Liaise with HMRC, external authorities, airlines, and internal stakeholders.
- Support customs strategy and regulatory compliance across airfreight operations.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiencies.
- Support systems integration and customs workflow improvements.
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- Strong background in customs operations, compliance, or brokerage.
- Experience within freight forwarding, 3PL, logistics, or airfreight environments.
- Solid understanding of UK customs legislation and procedures.
- Experience with AEO standards and audit compliance (highly desirable).
- Strong stakeholder management skills, particularly within fast-paced operational environments.
- Ability to lead a customs function and drive continuous improvement.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £65,000 per annum.
- Senior role based at a major Heathrow freight hub.
- Opportunity to lead and shape the customs function.
- Strong SME environment with autonomy and visibility.
- Long-term career progression within a growing logistics business.
If you are an experienced Customs & Compliance professional looking for a leadership role within a fast-paced Heathrow freight environment, we would love to hear from you.
Customs & Compliance Manager in Chertsey employer: WR Logistics
Join a dynamic and well-established SME freight forwarding group at London Heathrow, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape the customs function in a fast-paced international environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, autonomy, and visibility, this role offers a competitive salary and the chance to drive operational efficiencies while ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Experience a supportive work culture that values continuous improvement and provides long-term career progression within the logistics sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customs & Compliance Manager in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the customs and compliance field. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its customs operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Customs & Compliance Manager role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and connect with top employers in the logistics industry. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Customs & Compliance Manager in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Customs & Compliance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in customs operations and compliance, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that showcase your skills.
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 your understanding of UK customs legislation and how you can drive efficiency in customs operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a key leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving continuous improvement. Share examples of how you've led customs functions or improved processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your documents and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Logistics
✨Know Your Customs Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK customs legislation and procedures before the interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to take ownership of the customs function.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This role is all about managing and developing the customs function, so demonstrating your ability to lead and drive continuous improvement will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific customs-related scenarios or challenges. Think through potential issues you might face in this role and how you would resolve them, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is crucial, prepare to discuss how you've effectively liaised with various parties in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve navigated complex relationships and driven collaboration, especially in fast-paced environments.
